In a heartfelt farewell gesture, Belmont Cricket Club captain Tony Bristow is determined to leave his beloved club with a remarkable parting gift as he prepares to call time on his illustrious playing career. The evergreen 60-year-old, who has been a stalwart of the Newcastle District Cricket scene, hopes to secure the signature of gun English opener Fletcha Middleton for the upcoming season, a move that could transform the club's fortunes.
A Stunning Maiden Stint in Newcastle
Middleton, a 24-year-old prodigy who opens the batting for Hampshire in English county cricket, is set to return to England on Sunday after a spectacular debut stint with Belmont. His performances have been nothing short of extraordinary, capturing the attention of local cricket enthusiasts and setting the competition alight with his batting prowess.
The young left-hander has peeled off four centuries in the Newcastle District Cricket season, including a magnificent double ton, amassing an impressive 615 runs at a near Bradman-esque average of 87.86. This places him firmly at the top of the district's batting aggregates, showcasing his exceptional talent and consistency at the crease.
Chasing History and Overcoming Challenges
Wallsend legend Greg Geise remains the only batter to have notched five centuries in a single Newcastle District season, achieving this feat in consecutive summers during 1989-90 and 1990-91. Middleton came close to matching this record, but his streak of three consecutive innings of 100-plus was halted on a difficult wet wicket, where he managed just 14 runs.
"The only reason he got out last week was because the wicket was poor," explained Bristow, reflecting on the challenging conditions. "The ball was going off a length over the batter's shoulders. We should have delayed the start. It would have been nice if we had rolled them last week. We still have to get three wickets. We dropped a catch, they would have been 8-80."
Despite this minor setback, Middleton's previous innings were nothing short of spectacular. He racked up three figures against Charlestown with a composed 115, dominated City with a brilliant 140, and remained unbeaten on a majestic 200 against Wests in sweltering 35-degree heat. His first century for the club was an unbeaten 113 against Wallsend, announcing his arrival in style.
A Legacy Connection and Future Prospects
Bristow, who spent three decades playing cricket in England, revealed the personal connection that helped bring Middleton to Newcastle. "His dad, Tony, played for Belmont for three seasons in 1989, 1990, and 1991," Bristow shared. "I was at Charlestown then and played against him. I then lived in England for a long time and knew of him. Fletcha had spoken to [Belmont committeeman] Mark Roskell. That is how I got his email address."
Originally planning to join a Melbourne academy, Middleton was left disappointed when those arrangements fell through. Seizing the opportunity, Bristow extended an invitation to Newcastle, a decision that has paid dividends for both player and club. "He is quality," Bristow emphasised. "His 200 against Wests, it was 35 degrees and he batted the whole day. He has indicated that he is happy to come back next season. If he does, it is a game-changer for the club."
International Commitments and Club Transformation
Middleton's cricketing journey continues with international commitments, as he prepares for a 10-day training camp in India with Hampshire to practice batting on spinning wickets, followed by a pre-season tour to South Africa in March. Despite these demanding schedules, his potential return to Belmont next season has generated significant excitement.
Bristow, who returned to Newcastle in 2021, is adamant that this will be his final season as a player. "My aim was to leave the club in a better position than when I took over," he stated. "Last season, they were all kids and we didn't win a game. We signed five or six players and have been more than competitive. We have been unlucky at times."
The club has faced challenges, including the absence of quick bowler Riley Urquhart all season due to a bulging disc, but Bristow remains optimistic about Belmont's future. "There are good signs for the club next season," he affirmed, highlighting the positive impact Middleton's presence has already had on attracting other players.
Round 10 Battles and District Standings
In other Newcastle District Cricket action, Belmont currently have Cardiff-Boolaroo at 7-107 entering day two of their round 10 clash at Pasterfield Sports Complex, with Belmont having posted 97 in their first innings. Across the district, several intriguing matches are unfolding:
- City resume their second innings at 3-23, still trailing Merewether's first innings total of 132 by 14 runs at No.1 Sportsground.
- Toronto are 1-30 in pursuit of Hamilton-Wickham's imposing 367 at Ron Hill Oval.
- University face a daunting task at 4-40, chasing Stockton's 286 at Lynn Oval.
- The matches between Charlestown and Wallsend at Kahibah Oval, and Wests against Waratah-Mayfield at Harker Oval, will be played as one-day fixtures.
As the season progresses, all eyes will be on whether Tony Bristow can secure his parting gift and whether Fletcha Middleton will return to continue his record-breaking form in Newcastle cricket.
