IT was carnage at Thursley on Sunday as a star-studded Lashings side plundered 331-3 off 20 overs.

“Crazy hitting,” said Thursley’s Steve Fuller after a six-count amounting to 25 at the compact village ground where the many spectators constantly had to take evasive action.

With Henry Blofeld providing his inimitable commentary, England Lions and Kent player Matt Coles savaged the Thursley bowling with 99, including ten sixes, before being run out off the last ball of the innings.

This was after a century opening stand between West Indies international Kirk Edwards (66) and former England batsman Usman Afzaal (54).

Coles then joined Zimbabwe one-day player Cephas Zhuwao (90 not out) in a violent partnership of 121 as the visitors posted an unassailable total in the T20 match.

Thursley bowlers Steve Wells (67 off 3 overs), Anjum Zeeshan and Liam Larby (50 apiece) took the brunt of the heavy fire, but Larby took a screamer of a catch on the boundary to give Alex Elkins his wicket in what, remarkably, turned out to be a wicket-maiden.

Thursley’s reply was somewhat stymied by an umpire playing to the letter of the rules and giving three batsmen out leg before (Lashings called one back).

However, Thursley stalwart Keith Tilson made an excellent 42 and was named man of the match. He made half Thursley’s runs as the host side were tumbled out for 80 runs.

Despite the one-sided scores, the game provided fine entertainment, with the crowd able to appreciate the skills of former England spinners John?Emburey and Monty Panesar. The Lashings attack also included skipper Martin Bicknell (ex-Surrey and England) and West Indies paceman Tino Best.

Steve Fuller added: “The catering from The White Chefs and marquee from JF Marquees were fantastic and drew many positive comments from Lashings and the guests.”

Henry Blofeld tweeted later: “One of the best Lashings days this year. Thursley Cricket Club played a blinder. A great family occasion, an excellent crowd and fun cricket.”