They were runners-up in division one of the Sussex Invitation League last year, which means they take their place in division three west.

Middleton captain Matt Warren said: "It should be a good league, and with plenty of local clubs involved and lots of good overseas players, it will be interesting to see who wins it."

Middleton boosted confidence with a win over Worthing last weekend.
"They're in the league above us and came over with virtually a full first XI including new captain Dominic Clapp, who scored 1,000 runs in the premier league last year," Warren said.

Worthing won the toss and batted first, and despite Middleton being a few regular bowlers short, they contained the visitors well.

Matt Hansford got Clapp out cheaply, but fellow opener John Kaye batted well for 58, though the middle order struggled to find rhythm.

Worthing finished on 149 for six from 40 overs.

Middleton lost openers Seary and Lerwill cheaply before Nelmes and Hoare went about repairing the innings before they were removed in quick succession.

Neil Pacey and new boy Steve Collins set about building a partnership that put Middleton in a position to win the game.

Collins was dismissed for 28, but Pacey went on to hit an unbeaten 71 that took Middleton to victory in the final over.

Warren said: "We don't have an overseas player for the season, but we're hopeful that may change. We will be running three teams into 2008.
"This weekend we are in the first round of the National Village Cup, and we have a Twenty20 game against Sussex CCC on July 11."