RECORD-BREAKER Nigel Emery has smashed a 21-year-old batting milestone for Hirst Courtney Cricket Club.

The 42-year-old stroke-maker plundered 176 runs in the club’s HPH York Vale League clash with Thorpe Willoughby, beating the previous club record.

The mark had been held for more than two decades by veteran Dave Howson, who was umpiring the game and was the first to congratulate Emery.

Having first played cricket for Hillam, Emery ended a 12-year exile from the game earlier this season.

Since returning to the crease, he has rattled up scores of 100, 50 and 30, before his record effort, which included 16 sixes.

“Everything went right on the day,” said Emery, who is also a footballer with Harrogate Veterans and England Veterans.