Coming to the crease at the Bernie Regan Sporting Complex with his side 5/128 and little hope of matching North Nowra-Cambewarra’s 268, Brunton put his head down and did what his team needed.

He was still there when stumps were drawn at 7/190, with 35 including three boundaries.

During his innings, Brunton scored his 3000th senior run with the club he has been a member of since junior days.

Of those runs he has scored 2089 in second grade with a best aggregate of 560 in 2006-07 when he won the association batting trophy.

He has one century to his credit, 122 not out against Roseby Park in 2006-07, while his 10 half-centuries in seconds have included two scores in the 90s.

Most of his 267 runs in third grade came in the one season - 1998-99 - when there were three 50s.

An occasional first grade player in the past, Brunton’s form suggested he may be ready to establish himself there.

However the return of other players sees him back in second grade tomorrow.