RECORDS were smashed in all directions as Tudhoe’s brilliant opening batsman Simon Davies hit a sensational unbeaten 328 on an unforgettable Saturday in which his side powered their way to an amazing 509 runs.

The new individual and team records came on the Tudhoe ground against Mainsforth which became the climax to three days of staggering run making by Davies who hit 132 and 162 in midweek cup ties.

Already the holder of the league record with an unbeaten 269 in 2008, his latest one-man show, which was 59 runs higher, included no less than 20 fours and 32 sixes, with his third hundred taking just 28 balls. He shared in a stand of 300 with John Darby, who made 79 – the second highest partnership in the league’s history – and then added 191 for the third wicket with Shaun Findlay who was unbeaten on 62.

Tudhoe lost just two wickets as they ran their opponents ragged in just 45 overs of explosive batting with two bowlers not surprisingly conceding over 100 runs apiece.

Inevitably shell-shocked Mainsforth never recovered and their batting slumped to an all-out score of just 112.

Dan Mahaffey (3-49 from nine overs) and Ian Grainger (4-12 from 4.1 overs) led them to a remarkable victory by 397 runs in just 27 overs.

The Tudhoe explosion lifted then one place up the league table, but they are still only seventh and not in the running for the championship.

Brandon beat their closest rivals Esh Winning for their tenth victory in 11 games to extend their lead from 27 to 39 points.

A half century for Karl Turner was among the highlights of the Brandon innings which set their challenging opponents the task of scoring 198 to win. But with Turner (4- 51) getting the man-of-thematch rating they fell 27 runs short. Yasim Murtaza (57) couldn’t quite tip the scales as Esh were bowled out for 170.

A maiden first team half century for 15-year-old Ryan Cummings, batting at number nine for Willington, was one of the highlights of their win against Marsden which moved them up to third place in the table. The youngster’s outstanding innings followed the example of Aaron Proud who continued his fine form with a top score of 72. Willington reached 239-9 and with Neil Pratt (4-56) the main wicket taker, Marsden were bowled out for 173, beaten by 66 runs.

Shildon Railway were shunted into bottom place when they were beaten by Langley Park, changing places with Ushaw Moor who enjoyed their first win of the season. They defeated Evenwood by four wickets thanks to the contributions of Shaun Walker, who hit a half century, and Steve Hancock, who took five wickets.