A MARATHON three-hour innings by New Zealander John Peters gave him the fifth highest score in Wiltshire Cricket League history on Saturday.

Peters hit an unbeaten 221 as he almost single-handedly helped Westinghouse beat Calne in the Crusader Sport Wiltshire Cricket League Division One.

The 29-year-old from Mastarton in New Zealand, is currently living in Chippenham and playing as Westinghouse's overseas player.

Peters, in his second year at Bristol Road, said: "I have had three scores in the 160s before but this is definitely the highest I have ever had.

"I have never reached a double-century before so it was pretty special."

Opener Peters, who had trials with West of England Premier League One teams Bath and Keynsham last year, batted for all 45 overs of his side's innings while his colleagues watched in awe and amazement.

Captain Chris Ferris said he was happy to watch it and hopes he repeats the trick again.

"He pretty much made everything go his way. It was an amazing effort and he never gave a chance away.

"I have never seen anything like that at our standard of cricket. It was particularly impressive as Calne's overseas player bowled well but John made him look easy.

"He scored over 800 runs for us last year, averaging 80, and this year he has already scored almost 400 runs in just three games."

Peters' masterclass was not lost on the opposition either with Dan Knight saying he was awesome.

Knight said: "He was superb in a different class. He was hitting the ball everywhere and I was bowling against him thinking 'just get it in the right place'. None of us were bowling badly, he was just quality."

Peters plays representative cricket for Wairarapa in his native country, the same level as minor county cricket in England.

He was also part of the New Zealand Youth Academy when he was at school after beginning in the sport at just five.

The talented Kiwi almost turned his hand to golf at 17 but after just failing to make the cut for the Australasian Tour he returned to his first love of cricket, although he may return to golf when he is older.

He said he just managed to get into the zone and saw the ball like a balloon. "I love batting and to bat for all 45 overs and to score that many runs was great for me," said Peters.