Two matches, 28 wickets! Harmer the hero for Essex again

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Essex spinner Simon Harmer

Simon Harmer managed the remarkable feat of taking 14 wickets for the second first-class match in succession as in-form Essex claimed a dramatic victory over Middlesex to cement their position at the top of the County Championship.

South African spinner Harmer, who is playing for Essex on a Kolpak deal, came close to taking every wicket in Middlesex's second innings as the day-night fixture at Chelmsford moved to a dramatic conclusion.

Dan Lawrence ultimately claimed the ninth wicket to fall, denying his team-mate a 10-for, before Harmer sealed an innings-and-34-run victory for Essex by trapping Steven Finn lbw in the final over of the match, sparking jubilant celebrations from the home team.

#SCENES@EssexCricket beat reigning champs Middlesex in the final over. And check out those celebrations pic.twitter.com/2EzdrcfKAL

— County Championship (@CountyChamp) June 29, 2017

Harmer's figures in Middlesex's second innings were 9-95 and followed on from a return of 5-77 earlier in the contest.

Essex racked up a mammoth total of 542-3 between Middlesex's two digs, England opener Alastair Cook making 193 and Nick Browne 221.

Last week, Harmer took 6-92 and 8-36 in another innings victory over Warwickshire.

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