PROMISING cricketer Charles Clist, from Taunton, has broken a Millfield School batting record.

The opener, 17, smashed 254 against Canford in a recent school match as Millfield racked up 492 in their 50 overs - believed to be the fifth-highest total of all time in a 50-over match in the UK.

Clist added 344 for the first wicket with fellow centurion Alex Eckland, who made 125.

To have the record is no mean feat given the glittering list of cricketing alumni to have come through at Millfield; James Hildreth, Craig Kieswetter and Simon Jones are among the numerous past and present professional players to have attended the school.

Millfield director of cricket Mark Garaway, formerly on the coaching staff at Somerset, said: "He has worked so hard at his game and is now reaping the rewards.

"He came to us two years ago from King's College and I've worked with him on breaking down and adapting his technique. Some young players would find that demoralising but Charles has been brilliant.

"He's a strong batsman and a strong hitter of the ball. I think back to my time at Somerset and his style reminds me of Graeme Smith - he's a belligerent batsman who is developing all the time and has a lot of positive attributes.”

Clist, who opens the batting for Taunton CC when commitments allow and played through the age groups at Somerset, is now part of the Worcestershire Academy and will play 2nd XI cricket for them when the school term is over, while Hampshire are also monitoring his situation.

Garaway added: "Charles enjoyed being with Somerset but there are so many talented youngsters in their academy that playing opportunities may have been more difficult to come by.

“He’s been so consistent for us this year, scoring around 650 runs, and has really stepped up a level.

"He's focused on his upcoming exams at the moment but I hope after that he can keep scoring runs and making the most of the opportunities he gets."