GREAT Harwood batsman Russell Whalley held his nerve to claim the Ribblesdale League English amateur batting record in the final game of the season.
The skipper needed 35 runs to take the 1996 record off Nigel Pickles from Earby. And he managed 57 to set the new record at 1057 - and help Harwood finish third in the league.
"It's not bad for a slogger," said Whalley, who is believed to be one of just three English amateurs in the 112-year history of the league to get more than 1000 runs. "I was chuffed to bits and everyone clapped when I got the record so it was a good feeling."
He now hopes to by-pass it next season and help Harwood to the league title especially as they have signed Todmorden pro Gyan Pandey.
The league's overseas amateur batting record is held by Earl Eddings of Padiham with 1187.
