CRICKET: Irishman Ed Joyce scored his first century of the new season yesterday, saving Middlesex's blushes on day one of their opening County Championship match against Kent at Lord's.

After being put into bat Middlesex struggled to 333 all out, a total that would have been much worse if not for Joyce's magnificent innings.

With his team-mates' wickets falling at regular intervals at the other end, the former Dublin University, Merrion and Ireland left-hander was in fine form, making 130 runs (12 fours and two sixes), registering his 16th first-class hundred.

Having gone in to bat at number four, Joyce was the last man out, being caught by Justin Kemp just before stumps. He will represent England A against Sri Lanka at Worcester next week.