Staplehurst Cricket Club rewrote the record books on an extraordinary afternoon in the Kent Cricket League.

Batsmen Graham Ward and James Veitch shared an unbroken stand of 322 for the second wicket as their side closed on 435-1 against Dartfordians on Saturday.

The partnership was a new league record, as was the margin of victory - 351 runs - as leaders Staplehurst made it nine straight wins since promotion to Division 5.

Ward, dropped on eight, finished on 195 not out while Veitch made an unbeaten 139 before Dartfordians were bowled out for 84.

It was a phenomenal effort from the pair, who came together after Ward had put on a century stand with George Perry (60).

Ward said: "James and I got together and said to ourselves, 'we'll just bat and see what happens.'

"We were having 10-run overs without having to take massive risks.

"We were putting away the loose balls and running well between the wickets and the runs kept building.

"We didn't really have a clue what we'd done until after we came off and all the boys sat round watching had got quite excited about it."

Ward, who also kept wicket after his knock, finished agonisingly short of a double-century but beat his previous best of 149.

He added: "I was on 175 with three overs to go and the boys were willing me to get to 200.

"I hit the 49th over for 16 so I needed nine off the last over but then James hogged the strike and hit a four.

"To be fair, though, I was so tired if I’d tried to hit the ball for six I probably would have fallen over!

"It's nice to contribute and do something. The record side of it was an added bonus.

"I don’t think I’ll be doing that again in my cricketing career but you never know.

"This weekend will be the come-down - I'll probably get cleaned up first ball!"

It's Staplehurst's first year in the Kent League after multiple promotions.

They've taken it by storm and will equal another league record if they make it 10 wins in a row at Offham this Saturday.

Confidence is sky-high after the Dartfordians run-fest.

Ward said: "If nothing else, it’s a big statement for us as a side because being the new boys in the league, you want to stand out and do your best.

"It's a massive effort, as a small village club, to be doing as well as we are.

"It's an exciting time for the club.

"We've got a good side and we want to see how far we can go."