JOSH Stevenson was on fire on the hottest day of the year, cracking a record breaking unbeaten 227 for Pucklechurch who went on defeat Abbots Leigh by 182 runs in Division Five of the Martin Berrill Sports Bristol & District League.
The opener faced 140 balls and hit 38 fours and three sixes en route to the highest individual score in the league this season as well as a Pucklechurch record, overtaking club legend Steve Toghill’s previous mark of 203 not out.
Stevenson shared a partnership of 220 with captain Ryan Watts (69) in a total of 370-3 from 40 overs after losing the toss at home. And Dave Bartlett then finished with 4-25 as Abbots Leigh’s reply wilted to 188.
Senior Division pacesetters Frenchay overcame Pak Bristolians by 53 runs, opener Praful Waghela top scoring with 136 from 131 (14 fours, one six) while there were three wickets apiece for Chare Smith and Paul Burgess.
Nearest rivals Bristol West Indian Phoenix kept the heat on with an eight-wicket victory away to bottom side Winterbourne 2nds, Omar Wiggins taking 4-36 while opener Raj Chudasama continued his consistent form with 60.
Claverham are out of the bottom two with a four-wicket victory away to third-placed Stapleton, Lloyd Richardson compiling an unbeaten 78 after earlier taking 2-25.
And Cameron Perry finished with 6-28 from eight for Division Two leaders Hambrook who bowled out bottom side Chew Magna for 146 ahead of opener Calum Martin (64) and Jay Wittram (52 not) wrapping up an eight-wicket win.
Old Down kept up their push for promotion from Division Four with a five-wicket win away to leaders Bradley Stoke 2nds, Jon Pullin (78) and Matt Knight (52 not) both shining.
Opener Saiyajat Kenche compiled a terrific unbeaten 144 from 101 (16 fours, three sixes) in Division Seven as Thornbury 3rds reached 258-6 away to Coalpit Heath 2nds who in reply tumbled to a 178-run reverse.
PAK Bristolians host Stapleton on Wednesday in the semi-finals of the Tony Hitch Cup with Almondsbury also home to Bristol West Indian Phoenix (6.15pm).