TEENAGE dream team James Dunford and Tom Andrew are celebrating after putting together the biggest partnership in the history of the Wiltshire Youth Cricket League.

The two Devizes School pupils hit an unbeaten 357 between them for Devizes in an U15 match against Purton on Sunday, with 14-year-old vice-captain James smashing 200 for his maiden century, while skipper Tom, also 14, hit 129. Extras made up the rest of the haul.

The pair beat the previous record partnership of 302, set in 2006 by Wootton Bassett’s Alistair Wood and Greg Davies, while James’ double-century was just nine run short of the record individual score of 209, set by Hampshire’s Liam Dawson for Chippenham U13 in 2003.

“I was only really hoping for a 50 but the runs just kept coming,” said James, of Potterne Road.

“All my shots just kept on going to the boundary. Tom and I always open together. He’s one of my good friends and we play well together.”

Team-mate Tom said the pair’s marathon innings took its toll. “We were batting for about three-and-a-half hours and afterwards we were both shattered,” said the youngster, of Wyvern Close.

“I got 111 at the start of the season but I’ve never been part of a big score like this before. It was phenomenal and we’re both delighted about it.”

After James and Tom stayed at the crease for the entire 45 over innings, Devizes proved just as dominant with the ball, skittling Purton for 57 in 25 overs.

Junior manager Tony Downey was thrilled with his young players’ record-breaking score. “It was stunning and we’re so proud of the boys,” he said. “They always give us a great start to games but they’ve also always threatened to do something special.

“It came down to just two overs for James to get his double century and he hit about three or four fours to do it right at the end.

“The two of them have both played for Devizes’ men’s second team and I wish I could claim all the credit for what they did but I can’t – they are both terrific cricketers.”