It's every batsman's dream to score a century, but when you're 46 years of age and you've waited 33 years it is especially satisfying.

That's why Graham Dalton was wearing a big smile on Saturday after batting at number three for North Bitchburn against Washington seconds, he hit 11 fours and four sixes to reach 105 runs taking North Bitchburn's score from 31-1 to 237-3.

Graham's big day was not without a stroke of luck.

"Funnily enough I was dropped at mid-off before I'd scored," said Graham who is in his second season with North Bitchburn.

"My previous highest score was 98 for Weardale against Cockerton in the Darlington and District League. After that I never thought it was going to happen."

Graham has been playing cricket since he was 13 years of age, first at Wearhead while he was still at Wolsingham grammar school.

"I played with Tot Rumney, Alec Thompson, Ernie Wall, Herbie Thomas, Ivor Graham and Ian Emmerson at Wearhead," he said.

"They disbanded so I travelled down the dale to play for Wolsingham and then Ray Snaith and myself went to play in the North Tyne league with Allendale and Bardon Mill when Wolsingham folded.

"Then Weardale started a team so myself, Ray and my brother Paul turned out for them but unfortunately they too had to disband so last year the three of us plus Ian Tennick came to North Bitchburn.

"Myself and my son Nicholas who is 13 years old occasionally turn out for the Wolsingham teachers in the George Mann cup as well. I am hoping Nicholas will make a cricketer." On a blustery day there was a joyous mood in the North Bitchburn camp.

Not only did they beat Washington by 141 runs but the 254 runs they amassed ranks among the highest totals ever made at the ground. "Don't forget my 40 runs," said John Allott.

Ray Snaith added: "Some of Graham's sixes were wind assisted you know!"