by Mike Vimpany

Joe Weatherley scored his first double century at any level for his Australian Grade side at the weekend.

The Hampshire batsman was playing his second Grade match for Woodville, having spent a week before Christmas at an Indian spin clinic in Mumbai.

He cracked three sixes and 23 boundaries in a magnificent 220 as Woodville piled up a huge 419-2 before Prospect reached 52-1 by stumps.

"It transpired I helped create a Woodville club record opening partnership of 203, but fell one run short of their all-time individual score of 221 set years ago.

"Nonetheless, it was a wonderful day - one I'm unlikely to forget for a while," he smiled.

Weatherley's previous best score was an unbeaten 180 for Hampshire seconds against Nottinghamshire last summer.

"We had to declare in a 3 day game so robbed of a double hundred," he smiled.

Hampshire team-mate Brad Taylor is also playing for Woodville, but will have to wait until this Saturday before getting a chance to bowl.