Record-breaking Read pro Walker had his Weetabix!

Having just had his name engraved on to the Lancashire Honours Board for his maiden senior century against Salesbury, the Whalley Road paid man went on to smash 210 runs against Cherry Tree.

That tally, made up of 21 fours and 13 sixes from just over 100 deliveries, was also the fifth highest in Ribblesdale League history.

Walker’s 289-run stand for the third wicket with Ben Gorton – who hit his maiden ton – was the second highest partnership since the league was formed, five runs short of the record.

“I got off to a half decent start and I just carried on,” said the former Lowerhouse amateur. “Read’s not the biggest place in the world, which helps, and I’ve got to credit the ground staff because the track never misbehaves.

“It’s the best innings of my career. I had never scored a senior hundred until the week before last against Salesbury so it was nice to follow that up. I’d obviously eaten my Weetabix before the game!

“No matter where they were bowling, I was scoring runs. Everything just seemed to come together. I’m still annoyed that I got out though.”

Read were just eight runs short of breaking Salesbury’s record total of 438-7 against Brinscall in 2014 which, astonishingly, placed a cloud over Walker’s outstanding achievement: “We were looking at going for the league’s highest aggregate score but we fell about eight runs short which is frustrating. It would’ve been nice to have got that partnership with Ben over 300 to break those records.”

After helping the hosts to a 431-7 finish, Walker then went on to claim 4-42 from nine overs with the ball as the visitors were sent packing for 123.

Read are back in action on Friday night when they take on Earby at the Applegarth in the Twenty20 competition, before they host Stacksteads on Saturday, before travelling Oswaldtwistle Immanuel at New Lane on Sunday.

Padiham host Barnoldswick in the Twenty20 on Friday night and travel to Cherry Tree on Saturday.