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CENTURIES are always sweet whether a first, for Paul Wellings, or the 91st, for Mike Gatting. Even so the confection consumed at Fenner's was becoming a touch indigestible when the Middlesex third-wicket pair washed it down with tea at 300 for one.

At this point, with a hamstring twanging, Gatting retired hurt on 160 and the Cambridge University bowling, lacking three of their finest through injury or exams, was granted a measure of respite. But not much.

They certainly suffered while Gatting, meticulously accompanied by Wellings - better known as an Ealing CC batsman - clocked up a hundred off 149 balls, then further embellished 15 fours with a brace of glorious straight drives.

The uncapped Wellings, though 27, has made only four championship appearances for Middlesex, who are apparently still assessing his potential. It looks extremely good.

When Middlesex declared an hour before stumps Wellings, undefeated on 128, had struck 15 fours and a six.