Toby Roland-Jones was unaware he had completed a fairytale hat-trick that sparked wild celebrations at Lord's as Middlesex clinched their first County Championship title since 1993.
A 61-run victory over holders Yorkshire was enough to snatch the domestic game's most valued prize from Headingley after four roller-coaster days that came down to the final session of the season.
Middlesex declared on 359 for six to set a run chase of 240 from 40 overs that was decided when Roland-Jones plundered six for 54 including the key wicket of Tim Bresnan, the ringmaster of Yorkshire's defiance.
The last three were delivered in successive balls spanning two overs and when Ryan Sidebottom was bowled it was all over with Roland-Jones swamped by elated team-mates.
"To come out on the right side for the first time in 23 years in just amazing," Roland-Jones said.
"It's still sinking in and I'm sure we'll celebrate long into the night. It's an unbelievable feeling.
"I was hoping not to get changed for a while, but I'm absolutely drenched in champagne. We'll enjoy it with the lads because we have a special group.
"I didn't even know the hat-trick had even happened. It was one of those situations where they had to go for it, so I just bowled straight and that paid off.
"It was all bit of a blur at the end and then I ended at the bottom of a pile-up. I'm a bit beaten up from that!
"Steve Finn's first reaction was to take me down as if I was a streaker. Good on him!"
Source: PA
