Monumental achievement for Sinclair in Yorkshire

Mathew Sinclair has carved a name for himself in English club cricket history by becoming the first player to score 1000 runs before the end of June.

In two matches at the weekend for his Yorkshire League club Cleethorpes, Sinclair hit his fifth century of the summer and a half century to end the weekend with 1039 runs so far in the summer.

He is now a great chance to break David Byas' league record of 1394 runs. Sinclair's impetus to achieving the 356 runs he needs to claim the record will only be halted by his requirement to miss three weeks of play while on duty for New Zealand in the tri-series in Sri Lanka next month.

In Saturday's game Cleethorpes went down by four wickets to York in the final over.

Cleethorpes batted first and Sinclair and skipper Mike Smith started with a century partnership. Smith was out for 47 when the score was 122.

Sinclair was joined by James Stevenson. Sinclair was next man out for 119, an innings which included one six and 12 fours. Stevenson finished on 59 not out as Cleethorpes ended on 261/4.

While Cleethorpes made inroads into the batting, York's No 7 and 8 batsmen Ben Quick and Steve Piercy were able to score the 88 required from the last 16 overs to give York the win.

On Sunday, Cleethorpes were at home to Rotherham. Rotherham, batting first, were all out for 187. Sinclair, taking up bowling duties produced his best bowling for the club with four for 65 from 17 overs.

While Cleethorpes lost skipper Smith for two, Sinclair was in total command. Twelve was his immediate target as it took him past 1000 runs. Local experts described his feat as "a monumental achievement".

Sinclair was dismissed for 51 and it took Stevenson to carry the side to the brink of victory with 71, and soon after the home side got there with four wickets to spare.

Local identity Karl Walton said of Sinclair's performance: "His total of 1039 league runs is a satisfactory total for a whole season for most professionals in the Yorkshire League but not this outstanding Kiwi talent. David Byas' league record of 1394 runs in a season is likely to be shattered upon his return from international duty in Sri Lanka."