The league leaders have looked invincible this season but the home side rattled a few cages – and the odd helmet – on the way to an impressive draw on a pitch described as 'embarrassing' by some of the players.

Chichester won the toss and decided to take the field, giving Middleton the chance to post a competitive total.

Unusually, neither of the home side's opening batsmen, Ben Hansford or Steve Collins, were able to make an impact, Richard Logan removing both for four.

Tegan Naidoo (51) and Brandon Hanley (43) were the only two batsmen to hit more than 20, both hitting some big sixes along the way.

If it hadn't been for the aggressive nature of these two batsmen, Middleton could have been looking at a poor total.

Towner (18), Hoare (17) and Rebbetts (13) were the only other players to reach double figures as Middleton were bowled out for 178 off 50.3 overs.

Logan held up one end of the pitch very well and finishing with figures of four for 34 off 16.3 overs.

James Stedman snared Hoare and Seary, taking two for 29. Under-used Matt Geffen finished the tail off very well taking three for 17.

The pitch was described by Chichester as 'embarrassing' and was not up the standard expected by players or officials at this standard.

It did not account for any wickets, but there were enough incidents to cause controversy.

For Chichester, Kirkham (3) was out to Naidoo, which put the visitors on the back foot before an innings from John Edwards (26) helped steady the ship.

After fine strokeplay, the Chichester captain Mark Bamford (10) fell victim to a caught-and-bowled by Hanley.

David Leaver (12) played an uncharacteristically-slow innings and eventually fell to Seaman.

Logan (8) played a patient innings as Tommy Seaman suppressed the
batsmen's attacking instincts until he drove a ball back into the non-striker and it spooned up for Hanley to catch.

The home side believed a win was on the cards. Madgwick picked up the wickets of Brice (15) and Butt (22) and Chichester were in a spot of bother.

Mark Hoare showed his captain why he should be bowling more often,
sending Sedgley back to the pavilion.

Tommy Seaman was the pick of the Middleton bowlers, taking the wickets of Logan, Leaver and Edwards.

Aaron Madgwick was used sparingly yet once again produced a fine show, picking up two for 13 off seven overs.

Jason Seary took three catches to put the home side in a dominant position.

But Paul Terry (20) and James Stedman (2) guided their side through the last few nervy overs and Chichester finished eight down for 153.