MIGHTY Matt James powered his way to a new career best 164 not out to lead Knighton-on-Teme to a spectacular seven-wicket victory over Almeley in the GB?Liners Marches Cricket League.

The Knighton wicketkeeper-captain served up a one-man demolition job, hammering the hapless Almeley bowling for 20 fours and eight sixes, one of which cleared the pavilion to finish up in a nearby back garden.

In doing so he overhauled his previous personal best score of 153 on what proved a memorable afternoon.

He said: “I don’t think I’ve ever hit the ball as hard, but I guess it was my kind of wicket and with a lightning-fast outfield as well.”

Almeley, having elected to bat, had made 223-7 off their 45 overs, with Nick Evans hitting 50, Marc Priday 45 not out and Jack Kitchen taking 3-69.

James then took it upon himself to become the Knighton match-winner, sharing in stands of 107 with Mark Evans (25) and an unbroken 104 with Richard Grosvenor (19 not out) as they steamed home on 234-3 in the 37th over.

James added: “It was a good pitch and we bowled really well to keep them down below 230 on what was a 300 wicket. I was proud of the lads.”