James Middlebrook was bursting at the seams today to get back out in the middle at Castle Park.

The 30-year-old Essex off-spinning all-rounder, who has just signed a new two-year contract, enjoyed one of his most memorable innings when hitting a century during last year's annual Colchester county cricket festival.

And he would love a repeat performance when he steps out against Leicestershire (LV Championship) and Sussex (NatWest Pro40 League) during the next five days.

He said: "To score a century (113) against Surrey, who were topping the Championship table last year, was fantastic.

"It was the third First Class ton I had recorded in my career and it was the first one I scored in front of my parents who were down at Castle Park to watch the game.

"We went on to beat Surrey by an innings inside three days and I recall bowling very well (three wickets) in their second innings as well."

Middlebrook added: "Festival cricket is fantastic and there's no better place than Castle Park to play it. It's a great little ground and we always have good crowds. We are going to Colchester to win!"