BEN Mitchell, Churt’s overseas player, wrote himself into the club’s record books by hitting six sixes in an over in a Sunday match.

The big Australian thus matched the feat first recorded in a first-class match by Sir Garfield (Gary) Sobers, although Mitchell’s hitting was not as classical as the peerless West Indies all-rounder.

Churt were hosting The Blues last weekend in the annual fixture. In the penultimate over of Churt’s innings, the mustachioed Mitchell hit leg-spinner Dharmesh for six sixes, all square on the leg-side. Mitchell said later: “I was actually feeling quite nervous by the fifth ball.”

Churt amassed 246-5 from their allotted 35 overs. Toby Finneran made 78, while Mitchell finished unbeaten on 72.

In response, The Blues got to within 20 of the target, totalling 226-5, with Harry Lojhan hitting a fine 101.

Churt’s dinner-dance is this Saturday and Ben Mitchell will be there to join in the celebrations after a title-winning season. Apart from his six-hitting achievement, Mitchell has had a superb first season with the club. His 53 wickets at 7.75 was not just the best in Division Five, but in the whole Surrey Championship. His 692 runs at 43.25 put him second in the division.

Oli Plaistowe (24 wickets at 15.25), Rowley Marshall (23 at 12.96), Ronnie Defreitas (21 at 16.57) and Dave Thomas (16 at 13.38) bowled consistently well, while Toby Finneran (413 runs at 25.81) and Jon Palmer (356 at 27.38) were reliable top-order batsmen.

Captain Daniel Higgins led Churt to top place in Division Five and Stoke D’Abernon accompany them up to Division Four next season.