RICHARD Morris carved his name in the Southern Premier League record books as Bashley finished the season on a high.

Skipper Morris hit a boundary-strewn 179 to pave the way for Bashley’s comprehensive 164-run victory over Premier Division rivals St Cross yesterday.

His swashbuckling 128-ball stay included no fewer than 15 fours and 12 sixes and was the third highest individual score in the 14-year history of the competition.

Morris shared 151 for the third wicket with brother James Morris (42) before dominating a fourth-wicket stand of 90 with Luke Webb (21) as Bashley piled up 310 for seven.

Sam Thomson (3-29), James Morris (2-14) and Kevin Nash (2-24) all chipped in as St Cross were polished off for just 146 with tail-ender Richard Taylor (25) top scoring.

Victory saw Bashley complete the season in sixth place, with South Wilts retaining the title after a 48-run win over nearest pursuers Havant.

Lymington’s topsy-turvy season ended with a disappointing 68-run defeat at the hands of Alton who clinched third place thanks to the victory.

Only Damien Mortimer (2-36) and Darren Cowley (2-37) made any real impression with the ball as Alton reached 232 for nine.

And although skipper Simon Beetham (37), Cowley (29) and Ben Rogers (21) made starts, Lymington, who finished seventh, were dismissed for 164.