The devastating all-rounder was gunning for his 11th Orange District Cricket Association first grade title when he captained the maroons against minor premiers CYMS in last weekend’s grand final at Wade Park, but the green and golds prevailed in what was a thrilling decider contest.

Middleton choked up somewhat in the post-game presentation, thanking his teammates while also congratulating the victors, and said he’s not sure why he shed a tear at the end.

“It happens ... must be my mum,” he laughed.

“Look, 20 years of first grade, it’s got to come to an end sooner or later.

“It’s over 8000 runs for Cavs and nearly 400 wickets, fingers crossed a few of these boys hang around and keep the club going.”

The 38-year-old was terrific with the ball as Cavaliers looked to defend 130, a total Middleton freely admits wasn’t enough to win.

The right-arm seamer toiled through 24 overs to claim 2-56 and, alongside TJ Cunynghame (4-61) and Brad Wright (1-43), shouldered most of bowling work load as the maroons almost pulled of an unlikely win but ultimately couldn’t dismiss century-maker Hugh Le Lievre.

They just didn’t have enough runs on the board.

“Especially against CYMS,” Middleton conceded.

“It was never going to be enough. We always thought bowling-wise we would be able to put the pressure on them. 

“The pressure was on, but hats off to Hughey, he batted awesome and a grand final century, you can’t do better than that.”

Middleton recalled Cavs’ run of eight straight ODCA and Bathurst Orange Inter-District Cricket titles as one of the highlights of his career, as well as belting a Royal Hotel Cup ton against CYMS in the Twenty20 format.

“And the first premiership. I was actually getting married when we won, I was an absentee on the photo. That was funny,” he said.

“Those are the best memories.”