Foxes bowlers struggle in heat as Robson puts visitors on top

OPENER HITS FIRST CHAMPIONSHIP CENTURY OF THE SEASON AGAINST INJURY-HIT HOSTS

- Jon Culley

AFTER the euphoria of winning at Lord's for the first time in 45 years last month, Division Two leaders Leicestershire were made to toil for rewards against the same opponents yesterday, writes Jon Culley.

Middlesex opener Sam Robson (133) posted his first Rothesay County Championship hundred of the season as the visitors finished on 336 for five on the first day at the Uptonsteel County Ground.

It was the 37th first-class century of 35-year-old batter Robson's career.

Earlier, Josh de Caires, still looking for his maiden first-class century after 37 attempts, scored 76 in an opening stand of 173.

Leus Du Plooy, captain in the absence of Toby Roland-Jones, who is sidelined by a gastric bug, was out for 56 in the penultimate over.

In a Leicestershire attack without four of the bowlers that forged the victory at Lord's, seamer Roman Walker took the first three wickets to fall and currently has career-best figures of three for 57.