Hanley happy to leave it late again for Middleton

Slinfold put Middleton in but in-form Seb Gallagher took a liking to the Slinfold bowlers and smashed the ball to all parts for 94 in 100 deliveries.

Towner, Nelmes, Macer and Thompson all failed to reach double figures. But Hansford (20) and Spedding (30) supported Gallagher and when skipper Hanley came in, his quickfire 33 from 28 meant the visitors could finish their innings early, setting Slinfold 244.

Middleton welcomed back opening bowler Tom Davies and he proved why he’s an essential part of the unit as his opening spell removed Thorne and Yates.

The home side shut up shop and Gallagher was unlucky not to pick up more wickets as edges flew around.

Jamie Thompson was firing on all cylinders after sunning himself in France.

The tanned quick bowler picked up the dangerous McIntyre (31) just as he was building momentum.

Tim Coghill’s 59 off 37 deliveries the first intent shown by Slinfold.

Last man Stuart Woodall found himself with six balls to face to save the game.

Having seen off five with relative ease, he prodded the final ball – a full toss – to Stuart Nelmes at short cover. Hanley finished with six for 77 off 17 overs.

Hanley said: “It was nice to be able to declare for the second week in a row, which shows our strength in the batting department – yet there is a concern for the potency of our bowling.”

Hanley said the backroom staff and playing squad would be included in the board’s end-of-year review.

Glen Hoochen’s Middleton seconds won their division with victory against Slinfold. They also made it to the county t20 semi-finals.