FORMER England star Rikki Clarke stole the show with a sensational knock of 229 for Shrewton.

The 40-year-old, who left Surrey last year, hit 38 boundaries to rack up the double century in 109 balls.

Shrewton unsurprisingly claimed victory, winning by 239 runs with their innings total of 385-7 more than enough to see off South Wilts thirds, who were bowled out for 146.

  • ALSO in Hants Division Two, Emsworth were the visitors at Woodfalls Cross where Redlynch & Hale were looking for a third consecutive win.

Dave Webber fell cheaply to a good catch at mid-off. Nathan Pollard (10) and Ian Tanner dug in and inched the score along to just 41-1 after 20 overs.

Salisbury Journal:

(Ian Tanner in action - picture: Linda Dunham)

Then Andy Soutar (35) and Tanner shared a stand of 86 to ratchet up the scoring rate. Tanner finally went for a dogged 81 and after a cameo from Kev Hopkins (21no), the innings closed at 202-6 from the 45 overs.

Ben Brown and Webber then struck to leave the visitors at 59-2 in the chase.

This became for three as Hopkinsā€™ left-arm over action cleaned up Joe Scott. Hopkins, then into his stride, went on to claim a five-fer as he sent the middle order packing, finishing on 5-32. George Hayes arrived to bag a brace and when Dan Braceā€™s (24) resistance was ended by Soutar, it was all over, with Emsworth unable to comprehend how they had sunk to 122 all out.

This leaves Redlynch & Hale the early league leaders, having won all three fixtures to date.