Hythe’s Jamie Hemphrey claimed the best bowling figures of his cricket career on Saturday – and then insisted he’s played better.

Hemphrey, 23, picked up 7-23 at The Grove to inspire his side to a huge win over Gore Court in Kent League Division 2.

That took Hemphrey past 150 wickets for Hythe’s 1st XI, who he first played for in 2007.

But the all-rounder was quick to play down his contribution.

Hemphrey said: "I didn’t feel like it clicked as much as it has done in previous weeks. I’ve probably bowled better spells without reward but everything just came off on Saturday.

"The pitch had something in it and I’ve got used to bowling on our home deck. If you put the ball in the right areas, the pitch has got a bit of life in it."

Hemphrey removed four of Gore Court’s top-five batsmen as the visitors faltered badly in reply to Hythe’s 283-9.

But he revealed: "The umpires threatened to make it incomplete. They gave us 40 minutes to bowl our last 15 overs otherwise it would have been game over.

"We needed three wickets – which we got in the end. I’d only got four until I came on again and my last three came in four balls.

"It helps when you’re defending 280 because it gives you a bit more freedom as a bowler."

Read the full story in the Folkestone & Hythe Express.