Billy Godleman batted throughout Derbyshire’s second innings for a fine unbeaten 105, but his side were dismissed for 210 as Middlesex claimed victory by 117 runs at Lord’s.
The Derbyshire captain was at his defiant best, but was unable to build any lasting partnerships as Tim Murtagh picked up 4-55 and Ethan Bamber claimed 3-35 to bowl Middlesex to victory on the final day.
Middlesex declared in the morning so Luis Reece (12) and Godleman opened up for Derbyshire to face the first ball of the day.
The Derbyshire captain edged to Dawid Malan at third slip cutting on the back foot on seven, but he was put down and went on to make his second century of the first-class campaign.
Reece was caught at deep backward squad leg with the score 30-1 and the hosts kept themselves in the ascendancy with the wickets of Wayne Madsen (11) and Alex Hughes (11) before lunch.
Godleman reached the first milestone in his resolute innings, his half-century, off 66 balls with eight fours as Derbyshire hopes remained at the end of the first session.
The visitors made it to lunch on 108-3 as Middlesex edged the morning session, but it didn’t take their impressive pace attack long to strike again in the afternoon.
Harvey Hosein was out to Murtagh, caught behind after feathering at a probing length delivery and Matt Critchley couldn’t repeat his heroics of the first innings, out lbw for eight.
Gary Wilson (22) occupied the crease well and added 50 runs alongside Godleman for the sixth wicket, but once he was bowled by Harris Derbyshire lost the final four wickets in little over ten overs.
Godleman, who had been gritty and determined throughout the day, brought up his century in spectacular fashion with a six down the ground off Murtagh, but the tail failed to stay with him and Derbyshire were eventually all out for 295 as Godleman remained unbeaten on 105.
Four-day cricket is back! Derbyshire host their final Specsavers County Championship match of the season against Gloucestershire from Monday 24 September. Buy your tickets in advance and save.
