“ONE of the most destructive innings you will ever see.”

That was how Burnley chairman Michael Brown described batsman Jonathan Clare’s record-breaking Worsley Cup innings against Ramsbottom on Saturday.

After coming in at number three, Clare smashed his way to 199 off just 104 balls with 17 fours, 14 sixes (and five lost balls) as he made the highest Worsley Cup score by an amateur batsman in the current limited overs format.

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However, Clare fell agonisingly short of his double century when he was caught and bowled by Ramsbottom professional Daryn Smit in the last over of the innings, but the damage had already been done.

He had helped Burnley to a mammoth total of 371-7, another Worsley Cup limited overs record, and Ramsbottom could only manage 244 all out in reply despite a promising start.

Burnley chairman Michael Brown hailed 29-year-old Clare’s innings as “stunning” and says he has been threatening such a destructive performance for a while.

“It was a very, very special innings. Absolutely stunning,” he said.

“He got a few slices of luck along the way; I think he got dropped when he was on not very many but once he gets going there is just no stopping him.

“He’s struggled with injuries over the years but he’s made plenty of runs this year and this is just the pinnacle.”

The innings by Burnley-born Clare, who has been capped at first class level by Derbyshire, was his first Worsley Cup ton and Brown said he was proud to see someone he has known for many years put in such a mesmerising display.

“He might feel slightly disappointed at not getting to 200 but I think he would have taken 199 when he went out to bat,” he said.

“He has been around the club since he was seven years old and it’s great to see him performing so well.

“He is one of the most destructive batsmen we have seen here.”