Cricket: Division's new boys put to sword by Middleton

Having lost the toss, Middleton opening bowlers Hanley and Smith failed to impose themselves.

Tim Dodd (36) slayed Middleton captain Brandon Hanley for a couple of boundaries.

The openers fell to consistent pair Davies and Rawstrone, whose consistency was superb.

Davies (1-22) and Rawstrone (1-37) piled on the pressure. In-form off-spinner Will Searle chipped in with the wicket of Sadler (12).

The pressure was then released by poor bowling, fielding and a lack of concentration as ex-Sussex pro Alex Edwards dispatched the attack to all parts.

Chris Spedding picked up two vital wickets and Wisborough finished on 228 for five.

Jack Lerwill (80) dismantled the attack and William Burrows (10) provided good back-up before falling to Thatcher.

A 68-run partnership between Lerwill and Ed Towner (60*) put them in a commanding position.

Overseas man Nikolai Smith (41) showed his class and Ben Hansford finished the game with an explosive 27.