CJ Mclean smashed a memorable 200 not out – the highest individual score this season in the Gloucestershire County League – for Down Hatherley who romped past Ruardean Hill by 191 runs in Division Seven.

The opener needed 11 off the final over to reach his double century and got there with a single off the very last ball to spark great scenes of delight on the boundary.

Batting with tremendous concentration and determination on the hottest day of the year, Mclean made light of the energy-sapping conditions and frequent drinks breaks to set a Down Hatherley individual record.

In total, he faced 139 balls, striking 26 fours and a six to keep his side second and on course for promotion with three more rounds of games to go.

Mclean, a mature student at the University of Gloucestershire, is in his first season with the club having previously played for Chobham in Surrey.

It was his fourth century of an unforgettable summer and Down Hatherley chairman Michelle Tilling said: “He’s opened all season, he’s a very strong player.

“He’s very technically correct. He only hit the one six, he’s not slogging it to cow corner, he’s a very cultured batsman.”

Tilling is in her first season as chairman of the club and is also the club’s scorer, a job she first took on way back in 1996.

Cricket is a huge part of her life – “It means everything to me,” she said – and the final three weeks could be something special for both her and the club.

“We’re not counting our chickens,” she said, “we’re so often the bridesmaids but promotion is the aim, we’re always trying to better ourselves.”

Two teams go up and the title is still up for grabs too with Down Hatherley 16 points adrift of Arcadians Nine Elms.

The leaders actually did Down Hatherley  a favour on Saturday because they beat third-placed Tormarton by 134 runs to leave them trailing Down Hatherley by 28 points.

Tormarton travel to Down Hatherley a week on Saturday and everyone at the club will be hoping that CJ Mclean can continue his rich vein of form.

“He’s been brilliant for us,” continued Tilling. “His wife Rebecca is a physio at Chosen Hill Rugby Club and their chairman Dan Yeates plays for us, that’s how CJ came to Down Hatherley. Rebecca is now playing for our ladies’ team as well.”

And while her husband was obviously the star turn on Saturday as the home side rattled up 319 for two from their 40 overs, the bowlers also played their part too with Luke Brick taking 5-9 and Chris Stuart 4-44 as Ruardean Hill wilted in reply to 128 all out.

Down Hatherley travel to play eighth-placed Cam 2nds on Saturday and their final game in the 10-strong division is at fifth-placed Painswick 2nds on Saturday 3^rd September.