KEY all-rounder Stu Middleton may miss Orange’s third-round SCG Country Cup match against Cowra next Sunday, although his absence could be offset by the return of Ray Doolan, Nathan Rosser and Chris Tremain.

Middleton is rostered to work next Sunday after impressing in the 168-run routing of Blue Mountains on Sunday.

He scored 30 with the bat and claimed 3-16 off seven overs with the new ball to help roll Blue Mountains for just 70.

Middleton is trying to switch shifts to be available for the match against Cowra, but thinks it will be difficult.

But the Orange team could be bolstered for the knock-out game against Cowra, though, with Rosser, Doolan and Tremain possibly available.

Doolan was replaced in the Orange team for Sunday’s game by Brad Priest as he was struggling with a shoulder injury in the lead-up to the Blue Mountains match.

However, Doolan was fit enough to make an unbeaten 206 against Centrals on Saturday, so he is a good chance of taking his place against Cowra.

Rosser and Tremain are also likely to be available next Sunday as Orange look to atone for their shock first-round exit to Cowra last year.

“Obviously with Ray and Noodle (Rosser), they’ll slot in (the middle order) and with Tremain back, he’ll take the new ball,” Middleton said.

The possible addition of the talented trio will boost the Orange batting order, which captain Trent Colley said “butchered” the chance to post a score in excess of 270 against Blue Mountains.

Middleton agrees Orange need to score more than the 238 they made on Sunday when they face Cowra, especially if conditions are as favourable as they were at Wade Park.

“Like Trent said, batting wasn’t up to scratch. Trent and Richie (Venner) made a good start and everyone else made starts but didn’t go on with it,” Middleton said.

“You need 250 and above in this competition to do well.

“Wade Park is a bit of a road at the moment, so we were about 50 or 60 runs short.”