Charlie Shreck's hat-trick overshadowed a brave century from Nick Compton as Notts closed 110 behind Middlesex at 120-2 after an eventful opening day.

Paceman Shreck ousted Ed Smith with the last ball of his ninth over and in his next dislodged Eoin Morgan and Paul Weekes with the first two deliveries.

Middlesex went from 88-2 to 92-6 in six balls and were indebted to Compton, who carried his bat in a total of 230.

Chris Silverwood took two early wickets but Will Smith's 54no revived Notts.

Middlesex, battling against relegation in both the Championship and Pro40, were soon in trouble having been put in.

Skipper Ben Hutton drove the third ball of the match to cover point, where Samit Patel took a smart catch.

Owais Shah shared 54 with Compton before some swing from Paul Franks trapped him lbw.

Smith was caught at slip, Morgan played a loose shot to give a routine catch to David Alleyne and a superb out-swinger shattered the stumps to oust Weekes and complete the Franks hat-trick.

With only Silverwood to come Compton was 28 short of three figures but the 23-year-old Middlesex opener found an able ally and completed his fourth Championship century of the season.

Silverwood was finally caught at mid-on to give Shreck his fifth wicket.