Swardeston’s New Zealand opening batsman Joel Abraham rewrote the East Anglian Premier Cricket League record book on Saturday in a 10- wicket win over Clacton that sent Swardeston back into second spot.
Abraham hit an unbeaten 221 off just 145 balls including six sixes and 26 fours, beating Leicestershire’s Jacques du Toit who scored 220 for Godmanchester against Maldon in 2005.
Abraham was given valuable support by fellow opener Daniel Martin as they chased down a 309 target and created a Swardeston record for any partnership in the process.
Clacton had a centurion of their own in Garth Davson, the Essex II batsman hitting 138, with fellow South African Stefanus Gericke hitting a quickfire 66.
The 2nd XI meanwhile cruised to a six-wicket victory away at Hales. Dale Reynolds (4-28) and Robbie Micklethwaite (4-36) did the damage with the ball as Swardeston bowled Hales out for only 112.
The 3rd XI were also victorious, beating Swaffham by four wickets at Hilltops. Don Drepaulsingh took 4 for 28 as Swaffham were bowled out for 175. In reply Swardeston were wobbling at 74-5, but a partnership of 67 for the sixth wicket between Alex Bilham (52 not out) and Ben Shearing (36) calmed the nerves and Will Kennard helped Bilham to see Swardeston comfortably home.
It was a day to forget for the 4th XI, who went down by 10 wickets to Great Melton A.
