Middlesex claimed their first County Championship title in 23 years after defeating Yorkshire by 61 runs with 28 balls to spare.
Yorkshire, set 240 to win in 40 overs – they also needed a victory to take a third successive title – were bowled out for 178 with Roland-Jones finishing with 6 for 54 and, after bowling Yorkshire last man Ryan Sidebottom around his legs, sprinting away in ecstasy before being engulfed by his joyous teammates.
Roland-Jones had bowled Andy Hodd with the first ball of the 36th over, having removed Azeem Rafiq with the last ball of his previous over. Yorkshire’s players then went on a lap of the ground, as Middlesex began their celebrations, and another fine crowd gave them a generous hand. This was a day when all 22 players were winners, in respect of the entertainment they had served up and the gloss they had put on a much-loved, 126-year-old competition.
Earlier, Yorkshire had served up some declaration bowling once Middlesex’s Dawid Malan and Nick Gubbins had removed the chance of a result by natural means by taking their third wicket stand of 198 in 65 overs.
Malan made 112 and Gubbins 93 to add to his first innings 125, with Middlesex finally declaring on 359 for 6.
GetWestLondon reporter Tom Moore was on the pitch to gain reaction from the Middlesex camp and below is what the history makers had to say.
Toby Roland-Jones
“It's unbelievable walking around here with all the support we've got. After 16 games, to finish like that is unbelievable.”
“It'll last long in the memory. It was here about five years ago against Derbyshire.
“I hadn't realised for so long after due to the nature of the game and the break in the overs. If you want to pick a way to win the Championship it'd be right up there.
Sam Robson
Unbelievable. Incredible day. Incredible season. I think we were the best team all year. We won some big games right throughout the year and some were tough to come by as well.
“We turned up today not knowing what was going to happen. It's a special day. You know how hard they are to win.
“Some players never win a Championship. It's a long old slog. I didn't know you could be this happy after getting a pair but now I know you can be. All of us have contributed. It's been something special.
Ollie Rayner
“It's not really sunk in. When Toby took the last wicket I was like oh they're all out – unbelievable. It's been a tough season and we've done it the hard way.
“All credit to Yorkshire for holding up their end of the bargain. I think we're worthy winners having a tough time getting results at home.
“The fans have been great but they've been here all year. They've done all the trips with us. The first thing I did was see Barmy Kev and the boys and say thanks for their support.”
Nick Gubbins
“What a mad day. You never know what's going to happen. What character from the lads to pull that off.”
Nick Compton
“In terms of team performance, it's been up there. Winning in India was special but this is right up there.
“Playing for England doesn't happen very often but to play for your county day in day out through the tough times, season after season after season.
“To be holding the trophy at the Home of Cricket is quite surreal. I couldn't be happier with this team.”
Angus Fraser
“This group of players will be around for a long time, and we can get better still over the next three or four years.
“We have been building to this, and we play our cricket on good pitches. The players will get a lot of confidence from the way we have won.”
James Franklin
“I was in the toilet when Andrew Gale came in to start negotiations. He opened negotiations and there was a bit of toing and froing where it got to a point where both teams were comfortable and both teams were prepared to lose to win.
“We spoke about that and felt no matter what happens, we're proud of what happened. We didn't have to, we won the cup. I didn't feel comfortable walking off with a not out, it's mother cricket.
“I'm reluctant about being seen as the captain as Adam Voges is the spiritual captain. We'll talk to Adam soon. It's not about me, Gatt; it's about the club and this group of players.”
