Cricket: Middleton set the early pace

5:00pm Monday 5th May 2008

Middleton are the early pacesetters in the newly-formed Sussex LeaguenDivision Three (West) after a surprise win over Findon.

It was revenge of sorts for Middleton, who were pipped to the Invitation League title by Findon last season.

Seamer Brandon Hanley was the star with 6-29 as the home side were bowled out for just 74 and Middleton cruised to an eight-wicket win with opener Steve Collins, who has joined the club from Broadwater, making 37.

Middleton skipper Matt Warren admits it was a good time to play Findon, who have lost several of last season's squad to Broadwater as they put the emphasis on developing young players.

Warren said: "They had quite a few youngsters who will definitely improve but it was still a good win for us.

"Brandon got more than 30 wickets for us last season and is a real talent, we need him to get new-ball wickets for us this year."

Warren expects the division to be competitive and regards Billingshurst as the team to watch.

"They can get players from quite a big area and want to progress so they will be up there and I expect Pagham and Slinfold to do well too. It looks a very strong league."

On damp early-season pitches bowlers dominated the opening day's action.

Slinfold's Simon Stevens took 5-20 to help dismiss Arundel for 148 and the visitors reached their target with six wickets in hand.

The other winners were Pagham who beat Henfield by 82 runs.

Matt Colvin (66) and Matt Gregory (53) both made half-centuries as they rattled up 229-5 before dismissing their visitors for 147. Sean Rutter took 3-35 while Chris Crampton top-scored for Henfield with 51.

Billingshurst are among those fancied to do well this season under new skipper Scott Stratten, who has joined the club from premier division Horsham, but they had to settle for a draw against Bognor.

They reduced the visitors to 92-9 but could not take the last wicket. Earlier Peter Burroughs made 58 in Billingshurst's 204-5 declared.

Ifield's veteran off-spinner Russell Jacob took 5-75 but it was not enough to bring victory over Goring.

The visitors hung on for a draw at 175-9 after Greg Barton had made 76 in Ifield's 201-6 declared.

In the East Division, there were wins for Glynde and Chiddingly.

Darren Howard scored the only century on opening day, making 100 not out in his side's 262-8 declared against Uckfield Anderida.

Joe Adams chipped in with 75 and Anderida were dismissed for 91 to give Glynde victory by 171 runs.

Seaford won by six wickets at Crawley after dismissing their hosts for 179 while Chiddingly had the better of things as they drew at home to Burgess Hill.

Will Appleton was unbeaten on 96 in the home side's 204-5 with Burgess Hill's Ian Plummer taking 5-58.

Hill were never in the hunt for victory and finished on 113-8, John Deverill taking 5-17.

The other two games were both drawn.

Ansty's Raj Chuduri made an unbeaten 55 as they scored 175-7. Hellingly were 76-7 at stumps.

In the local derby, Lindfield were one wicket away from beating Keymer and Hassocks, reducing the visitors to 160-9 after they had made 184-3 declared.

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