ED Middleton warmed-up for his Devon return by lashing an unbeaten century for club side Frocester in a West of England Premier League win over Downend.

Devon are due to play Oxfordshire at Abingdon tomorrow (Monday) in the group-game stages of the 50-over National Counties Trophy. Middleton has been named in the match-day 12.

Middleton, currently on the staff at Gloucestershire, is clearly in form as he flayed 13 fours and four sixes on his way to 123 not out from 124 balls faced in Frocester’s 50-over total of 352 for nine.

Downend – the Bristol suburb where the great W G Grace was born – were skittled out for 13 with nearly 20 overs to go. Middleton took four of the last five wickets to fall at a modest cost of just 18 runs.

Middleton, whose cricket journey started at Clyst St George before he stepped-up to play for Exeter, last played for Devon in 2022. He was a member of all three squads, including the three-day group that won Western Division Two of the National Counties Championship.

Gloucestershire is Middleton’s number-one priority these days, but the ties that bind him to Devon remain strong. When a chance arrived to wear the Blue Lion again, he grabbed it with both hands.

“I made my Devon debut at the age of 17 and had three or four seasons in various teams before going to Gloucestershire,” said Middleton, who started out as a leg-spinner who could bat as well.

“At the moment I am playing 2nd XI cricket for Gloucestershire, but am keen to play for Devon when I am able.”

Middleton stressed that he is not turning out for Devon to get in match practice – far from it.

“I am opening the batting in second-team cricket and scoring lots of runs and bowling lots of overs – and playing club cricket for Frocester,” said Middleton.

“Playing for Devon is the opportunity to play in a strong side and make a contribution.

“My goal is to play regularly for Gloucestershire. Although I am in plenty of 1st XI squads, I have not had an opportunity yet this season.

“Playing good cricket will help me make the best of an opportunity when I get one.”

James Horler, the Devon captain, said Middleton’s journey showed aspiring cricketers what they can achieve. Having him available to play is a bonus on several fronts.

“It was obviously great to see Ed signed by Gloucester, not just for him personally but also to see the Devon pathway producing more county cricketers,” said Horler.

“Not only will it will be great to have Ed back on the bowling front, he also strengthens the batting.

“Ed will also bring more experience. After playing at a higher level, hopefully he will bring that professional edge, which I hope will rub off on the rest of the team in our performance.”