JOhn Lee recorded his highest score so far when he hammered 156 in less than 19 overs in the 3-D Cricket Durham County League Under 15 Division against Crook Town, writes MALCOLM PRATT.

"I've never seen anything like it at this level," said manager and coach

Ray Clish. "I have watched some very good innings but this is the best I can remember. It was faultless and to score at an average of more than eight runs an over is something really special."

Clish, who has been involved with junior cricket for more than 20 years, says that John has come a long way in a short time. "He's improved out of all recognition and he has all the makings of becoming a very good batsman."

John, still only 15-years-old, lives in nearby Sacriston and attends

Fyndoune Comprehensive School. His century against Crook Town was his second so far this season and included no fewer than nine sixes and 19 boundaries. Earlier he took an unbeaten 105 off the Willington attack.

John said: "I have been playing since as long as I can remember. I started off at Sacriston but when I moved to Langley Park I joined them. They are a very good club and even though I have gone back to live in Sacriston I'm sticking with Langley."

John, who also plays in Langley's second, third and under 18 teams, has

ambitions to play for Durham County but first he would like to make his

debut in his club's senior side.

"I had a trial for Durham County Under 13s and would like another chance at Under 15 level. It must be every cricketers dream to play at the Riverside but first I've got to impress with Langley Park and hope I get noticed."

Lee continued his fine form with 66 for Langley Park juniors in their Just Sport Trophy win over Brandon this week.

l Skelton Castle's Rich Stainthorpe set a club record for the highest individual score when he made an unbeaten 155 in a 64-run victory over Gillens Sports on Sunday in the first round of the Berresford Trophy.