LLANARTH CC's game against Newport thirds was a match made of records which saw 45 overs yield an innings of 430-1 for the home team, whilst Mark Baxter (141) and Raymond Butt (171) formed a century smashing partnership.

Newport are struggling in the league and were missing a few of their key players for their trip to Monmouthshire.

Winning the toss and batting first, Lanarth were given a cracking start by Wharton and Baxter as they put on 140 for the first 20 overs.

With the outfield like a sheet of glass, where even the slightest touch brought runs, and Newport bowling not really up to standard, a big score looked possible.

However, troubled by an old leg injury, Wharton was unable to get back to his crease quickly enough and was stumped after having scored 77, with the score on 152.

Butt then came to the crease and produced what he has promised all season.

In an astonishing innings which saw him hit 19 fours and ten sixes, he hit everything the bowlers could throw at him.

Together with Baxter he powered in a partnership of 272, the highest score for any Llanarth wicket, as the pair took the score to a record 430-1.

Butt eventually finished on 171 not out from only 79 balls.

It was a dispirited Newport side who went into bat, and with so many runs to play with, the fielders crowded around the bat, making singles difficult to come by, and forcing the batsmen to try and hit over the top.

Although none of their players tried to play defensively, frustration and temptation took their toll, as wickets fell at a steady rate, with Chris Powell the main tormentor, taking 5-49.

Ashraf was also amongst the wickets with 3-26, as Newport slowly subsided to 137 all out, leaving Llanarth victorious by 293 runs.

It was a tremendously entertaining innings by Butt, which somewhat overshadowed Baxter's century. Hopefully the euphoria will subside by next weekend when Llanarth's visitors will be undefeated league leaders Blaengarn.