RADLETT star Gareth Berg shattered records with a sensational batting display for the club last weekend. Berg, who has recently progressed into the first team picture at Middlesex, enhanced his bid for regular first class cricket

By David Brawn

RADLETT star Gareth Berg shattered records with a sensational batting display for the club last weekend.

Berg, who has recently progressed into the first team picture at Middlesex, enhanced his bid for regular first class cricket with a stunning double blitz.

The South African-born all-rounder led the way on Saturday in the Home Counties Premier League breaking Nick Hampton's Radlett record for the highest individual score which had stood since 2003. Berg, aged 27, blasted 159 runs and also set a new Radlett record fifth-wicket partnership of 143 with Felix Walker (52). The Radlett team score of 332-6 was also a club record, topping the previous best set against Slough in 2003 of 314-7.

After such a tremendous innings mere mortals may have been looking for a rest on Sunday but Berg provided more memorable magic with 153 not out as Radlett recorded a sensational win to reach the last 16 of the Evening Standard Trophy. The impressive all-rounder has just returned to action after a side strain and quickly showed top form. He said: "I think the first knock was 110 balls and the second knock was 92 balls. I wasn't trying to up everything, I was just playing my natural game really.

"My previous highest score was 136 not out at Under 10s level, so it has taken me 19 years to get rid of that. I batted for a purpose. I went out there facing every ball with the same thing in my head. Sunday was very special because we have a good crowd at our home ground."

Radlett chased down a tough total of 277-9 posted by BWIA Cavaliers from their 50 overs, as Berg's brilliance blasted the Cobden Hill outfit into the last 16. The talented star who joined Radlett in 2007 feels the win will boost the club and hopes the knocks will press his claims for regular first-class cricket with Middlesex. He said: "When I go back and play club cricket I have to perform even better. People look at me as a professional. It is always great coming back into the club scene, in the changing rooms because I miss the boys.

"It was important to get the two wins and to break a few records was also really good. There is a good vibe now especially after the Sunday game. Recently this season when we have had to chase we have crumbled so it shed a bit of light on the subject that we can chase a big score.

"Middlesex are having a look at me playing as a batsman and I want to show that I am here as a genuine all-rounder.