Super Starling soars into record book

One of the most destructive batsman in Shropshire cricket has rewritten the record books with a stunning display of big-hitting.

Allscott's Carl Starling smashed an incredible 236 off 151 balls in his side's FBC Manby Bowlder Shropshire League division one draw at Acton Reynald on Saturday.

That was the highest ever individual score in division one - and was part of what is believed to be the biggest team total in league history - 449-3 declared with one ball of their allotted 45 overs to spare.

Although Acton Reynald held on for a draw, it was still enough to secure the title for the long-time leaders as Starling produced his explosive exploits on the perfect day.

His score defeated his own previous division one best of 229 against Worfield in 2006.

Saturday's innings included 21 fours and an incredible 17 sixes - and it took the 30-year-old a while to hit top form.

The opener used up 112 balls to reach his century, with the remaining 136 runs coming off just 39 deliveries. And Starling revealed how his desire to pass a personal landmark brought about the early caution.

"I had never got to 1,000 runs in a season before so that was a big thing for me," he said. "I needed 83 to do that so I was very watchful early on.

"I got to 979 a few years ago and some of the lads were ribbing me by saying I had bottled it, so it was nice to get it done.

"After that I opened my shoulders a bit and it was a really enjoyable knock.

"To do it on the day we won the title made it very special."

Starling will now be hoping Allscott pass a winter ground inspection and receive the green light to be promoted to the Marston's Shropshire Premier League.

"Hopefully things will go our way and we can test ourselves at a higher level," added Starling. "We don't pay any players and haven't got an overseas professional so we are just 11 blokes playing cricket."