Marcus Ireland hits maiden ton in record fifth-wicket stand with Shipston skipper Jack Murphy

MARCUS Ireland blasted his maiden league century and shared in a record-breaking stand to fire Shipston to a impressive win against visitors Leamington 3rds.

Ireland, pictured, hit an unbeaten 120 off 97 balls and joined captain Jack Murphy (90) in a 189-run fifth-wicket stand.

The previous record of 146 between Mervyn Randall and Steve Hedderman had stood since 1994.

Shipston made a good start with Matt Corby making a quick-fire 42 before being caught on the boundary from the bowling of James Morton (2-58).

Runs continued to flow at an increasing rate but with the loss of further wickets the innings was still in the balance at 129-4 from the opening 20 overs.

However, Ireland’s century, hitting 15 fours and two sixes, alongside Murphy, who fell just short of his ton in a 66-ball knock, ensured Shipston ended their 45 overs on a whopping 342-5.

In response, Leamington were unable to get anything going and they were 61-4 after 15 overs, Corby snapping up 3-43.

Oscar Reynolds (22 not out) did his best to steady the ship, but David Pyne (2-10) and Sam Dexter (3-4) came into the attack to clean up the tail.

The final six wickets fell for just ten more runs to finish the innings on 96 all out.

Shipston travel to Exhall & Wixford on Saturday (1.30pm start).