FORGET the Ashes, the real action was at South Loughton Cricket Club as the opening pair put on an unbeaten stand of 394 against Aspenden.

Christian Theron and Martin Pye, both promoted from the 2nd XI, produced a stunning display of batting as they smashed club records in the Herts and Essex League match.

Theron dominated the bowling on his way to 307 not out, an innings that included 28 sixes and 18 fours, including one shot out of the ground that dented the bonnet of a parked car.

It was his last innings of the season before he returned home to South Africa.

At the other end, Pye was more watchful for his 69 not out.

The pair set new records for the first wicket, eclipsed the club's previous highest total of 351-3 and Theron's score was the highest individual effort in South Loughton's history.

Club captain Terry Henman said: "It was the most spectacular sustained hitting I've ever seen.

"I've seen people bat like that for ten or 15 overs, but never keep it up for the full 45."

Theron was dropped twice, once by Aspenden's wicketkeeper when on 180, and again on the boundary when he had scored 251.

Aspenden were always going to struggle to get near the South Loughton total, and their batsmen suffered the same fate as their bowlers as they were skittled out for 136, largely thanks to Matthew Wixey's 5 for 14.

The 256-run victory put South Loughton one victory away from winning the Division 3 title, while defeat condemned Aspenden to relegation.