THE record books were rewritten for the second time this season in the Readers Durham County League when Tudhoe's ground became a batting paradise for Simon Davies.

Following the remarkable runmaking by Kimblesworth's two openers, Stephen Meek and Paul Craig, who achieved an all-time record team total of 402 in their third match of the season, Davies, the Tudhoe opener, smashed a sensational undefeated 269, the highest individual score in the league's history.

He hit no fewer than 19 sixes and 23 fours - that's 206 in boundaries - and his innings lasted a whirlwind 171 balls with Mainsforth suffering the onslaught.

Tudhoe finished with 377-3 from their 45 overs, which was the club's highest ever score and there was another record to celebrate when Stephen Thompson joined Davies and they shared a stand of 279 to become the highest for a second wicket in the league's history. Mainsforth cashed in on the featherbed wicket with Dave Sherrington unbeaten on 108 out of 243-4 in reply.

The spectators had witnessed a remarkable 620 run feast.

Elsewhere, Shildon Railway stayed firmly on track for a championship bid, taking advantage of a blank day for early rivals Esh Winning to push in front as league leaders.