English import Fletcha Middleton has produced another batting masterclass in Newcastle district cricket, carrying his bat for an unbeaten double century during Belmont's dominant display against Wests.
Middleton's magnificent double ton
The Hampshire county player reached his 200 not out with a single from the third last delivery of the day at Cahill Oval, guiding Belmont to an imposing total of 5-400. Middleton's patient 245-ball knock marked his second 'carrying the bat' effort this season, having previously achieved the feat earlier in the campaign.
Historic day for Standing brothers
Meanwhile, Charlestown created potential club history as three brothers - Nicholas, Dan and debutant Ben Standing - took the field together in the same first XI for the first time. Club officials believe this may be the inaugural occurrence of three siblings playing simultaneously in the club's history.
Charlestown won the toss and elected to bowl against Hamilton-Wickham at No.1 Sportsground, dismissing the visitors for 233 in the final over. Opener Selman Hassan provided the resistance with a patient 112, while the Standing brothers contributed with Dan taking 2-66 from 20.4 overs, Nicholas bowling 0-30 from 10 overs, and Ben claiming a catch in Aaron Payne's 6-46.
Other round seven highlights
Elsewhere in the Newcastle District Cricket Association, Varunesh Sharma's 122 helped University post 258 at Bernie Curran Oval, with City reaching 2-29 at stumps in reply.
At Townson Oval, Merewether were dismissed for 168 before Stockton reached 6-98 at close of play. The match saw impressive bowling performances from Merewether's Lincoln Melmeth (4-45) and Stockton's Harry Cornwell (4-11).
In the Tom Locker Cup, Wallsend (1-114) and Cardiff-Boolaroo (2-73) made strong starts chasing Toronto's 236 and Waratah-Mayfield's 191 respectively. Kobe Allison top-scored with 86 for Toronto while Aidan Creer took 4-44 for Cardiff-Boolaroo.
All matches will continue next Saturday with teams looking to build on their first-day performances.
