Middleton so pleased to take revenge on Littlehampton

A lacklustre performance from Littlehampton was underlined by their batting capitulation.

Middleton travelled to Littlehampton wanting revenge for the early-season thrashing.

A subplot to the game was written on a social networking site the previous day. After the match earlier in the season Littlehampton suggested Middleton were an average side who’d lose rather convincingly.

The home side won the toss and surprisingly decided to risk their unsteady batting line-up against Middleton’s hungry attack.

A fresh Jamie Thompson was back after training with Sussex and he bowled with venom and passion as Littlehampton lost early wickets.

Thompson and Australian Seb Gallagher were looking for an early finish as the home side were reduced to 34 for four.

A glimmer of hope was the batting performance of Michael Askew (76), who timed his shots and showed great concentration when wickets were falling.

Littlehampton finished on 169 for nine which, given their early predicament, seemed a good score. Thompson and Hanley finished with three wickets each while Gallagher picked up two.

Although the home side’s score was not particularly big, against most sides it would be competitive. But most sides don’t have Hansford, who, having been dropped on zero, went on to complete his third century of the year. He anchored the innings as the rest of the batsman watched in awe as in-form Hansford dispatched the attack to all parts. The visitors completed the win in 34 overs, only four down.

Recently-appointed Middleton captain Brandon Hanley seems to be getting the best out the team.

He said: “In a season filled with controversy and animosity it is great to see that once we cross that boundary rope, nothing else matters. It’s about training hard and playing hard as individuals and a unit.”