Middleton will play Premier League cricket next year having been promoted after an emphatic victory over Chichester on Saturday. Middleton won the toss and Chichester were asked to bat and opening bowlers JamieThompson (4-37) and Brandon Hanley (2-26) made early inroads, bowling a line and length that suited the conditions perfectly and reduced the visitors to 21-4. Ben Woodruff (28) top scored for Chichester who were eventually bowled out for 81 in just 26 overs. The opening pair were well supported by spinner James Rufey who finished with impressive figures of 3-3 off 4 overs.
In reply, Middleton took only 15 overs to score the required 82 runs to win, losing Rob Willway (8) and Jamie Thomspon (6), both falling victim to Chichester captain Matt Geffin on the way. Geffin finished with match figures of 2-28. Sean Heather (36) and Ben Hansford (26) saw Middleton home to an emphatic 8 wicket victory. Middleton taking the maximum 30 points from the game to ensure that regardless of results this coming Saturday, they will be playing in the top tier of Sussex cricket next season.
After promotion was confirmed, Middleton captain Brandon Hanley said, “This is a really proud moment for Middleton cricket club. It has taken years of graft both on and off the pitch by so many people all deserving to relish this special time. For many years Middleton were a big player in county Premier League cricket and I hope this is the start of another golden era for a small village with big ambitions”.
Middleton finish their league campaign this coming Saturday away to Goring needing 12 points to win the Sussex Division Two title.
Middleton Cricket Club 