Bennett makes his first century but Boro still seeking a first win

The English born New Zealander, a new signing this season plundered 138 runs from 128 balls as the hosts declared early on 261-5, but in reply Middleton reached 187-5 from their 51 overs.

Boro skipper Lee Callagan said: “It was a good game, we got a lot of runs with the bat but we just couldn’t finish them off. We just needed that little bit of luck to go our way with a few half chances.

“Jono batted really well. He started fairly slowly but never gave a chance and when he passed his hundred he really went for it and started clubbing sixes.”

Opener Imran Khan’s run a ball 49 helped Pulborough to a decent start having been inserted on their home track.

No.3 batsman Bennett’s fine 138 contained 18 boundaries and six big maximums, and James Smillie’s 37 helped Boro declare with three overs extra to bowl.

A comical run out got Boro off to a fine start but Jamie Thompson’s 44 and wicketkeeper Pat Colvin’s 66 in a crucial partnership steadied the Middleton ship.

When they both fell Boro began to make headway, but the visitors held onto their final three wickets. James Chriss took 2-27 and Bennett 2-36.