Innings that Jack built sees Middleton to top spot

Jack Lerwill brought Littlehampton to their knees as he smashed his way to 106 off 68 deliveries helping Middleton back to number one spot in division three west of the Sussex League.

Lerwill batted his way to stardom with onlookers describing his effort as a ‘special innings’. Middleton legends were left speechless as boundaries were found with consummate ease.

On a sunny weekend,Littlehampton won the toss and elected to bat.

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An opening stand of 61 from Tom Lee (32) and Chris Heberlein (25) ensured Littlehampton started in a positive vein.

This did not last as they were reduced to 88 for four, but Michael Askew (67) has a knack of picking up runs against Middleton and again this fixture proved no different.

Sam Mellor (35) was useful at No6 as he and Askew put together a much-needed 83 run partnership which saved their side from humiliation.

With ten overs left Middleton captain Brandon Hanley went on the attack of wickets and bonus points.

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Hanley’s decision paid off as the wickets tumbled and Littlehampton finished on 197 for nine.

In their desperation for last-ditch runs, the visitors did give wickets away - losing their last four batsmen for just 26.

Hanley (3-58) and Nikolai Smith (3-31) bowled well, as did Will Searle (2-63) who enjoyed a 17-over spell.

Alfie Bunker and Lerwill proved ineffective with the ball, leaving Hanley to bowl both spin and pace.

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Lerwill opened the reply and scored 50 in just six overs - and by the eighth Middleton were 88 without loss.

Alex Price (17) played a good supporting role as his fellow batsmen dispatched the attack to all parts. Opening bowler Amjad Moshin lasted just one over as he conceded 16.

Lerwill fell for 106 with the damage done. He had won the game for Middleton.

All-rounder Smith kept the home side above the run-rate with 39 off 27 deliveries.

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The rest of the team kept the crowd interested after the fireworks of Lerwill. But Thompson, Hansford, Collier and Smith (39) all lost their wickets within three runs of each other.

Bunker hit two fours and walked off thanking Littlehampton for two half-volleys which finished the match. Middleton now top of the league.