ASH Rendell sent Grassmere Cricket Association officials scurrying for the record books after a whirlwind 205 for Yambuk.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The 21-year-old registered what is believed to be the first double century in the association’s 40-over-a-side Sunday competition against Panmure Bulldogs.
Opening the innings at Panmure, he blasted 24 boundaries and four sixes before being dismissed in the 38th over as his side made an unbeatable 2-327 off its 40 overs.
Association president James Sinnott, who captains Yambuk’s Sunday side, had reshuffled the batting order to ensure some of his players down the order spent some valuable time in the middle before their impending finals campaign.
That plan failed dismally, with Rendell and fellow opener Ben Jennings (44) putting on 154 before Sinnott (58 not out) and Rendell put on 156 for the second wicket.
Rendell revealed work commitments as a carpenter had prevented him from playing with Yambuk’s B grade side on Saturdays. “I’ve only played a handful of games,” he said.
Having played cricket since he was 13, Rendell had never scored a century until the week before. He made 120 against Wangoom and then the innings of his life on Sunday.
“I normally don’t hit them that well,” he said, struggling to identify the secret to his success. I just went out to bat. I struggle to see it from the start.”
Rendell said he had no idea he was approaching his century or other milestones. He brought up the ton with a boundary through mid-wicket and his 200 with a straight drive for four.
Cricket is fun and a form of fitness for Rendell, who plays football with Port Fairy.
He needed a knee reconstruction after suffering an anterior cruciate ligament injury late in the 2012 Hampden league season, forcing him to miss 2013 and restricting his cricket involvement last season.
Rendell said his Sunday cricket matches were an opportunity to boost his fitness before the footy season. While he hit more than half his score in boundaries, he said he still did plenty of running between the wickets.