IT’S the new batting partnership that has HPH York Vale Cricket League division four teams running for cover.

Since being put together three weeks ago Stockton & Hopgrove II openers Rich Horsman and Dan Reardon have blasted bowlers to all parts in three massive stands.

Reardon has been the side’s regular opener all season but, despite having various partners, Stockton were unable to get off to a good start.

After three successive defeats, wicketkeeper-batsman Horsman was promoted to join Reardon and the new combination has proved sensational.

In their first game together against Burn II on July 20, they put on 233 – Horsman thrashing 140 and Reardon an unbeaten 84.

The following week they shared 193 against Bishopthorpe II, Horsman smashing 126 to Reardon’s 76.

Last Saturday, it was Heworth II’s turn to feel the full force of the dynamic duo as Horsman (105) recorded his third successive century in a partnership of 196. Reardon finished undefeated on 110 not out.

Needless to say, S&H won all three games and now their new batting stars have set their sights on Hemingbrough II’s attack this Saturday.