I was in the zone - Shadley

Shadley van Schalkwyk

“IT was just one of those days,” reflected Shadley van Schalkwyk after his career-best 222.

The Heyside professional took no mercy on the Greenfield attack as he cracked 24 sixes and 11 fours in a brilliant individual score.

That knock has put Van Schalkwyk (25) in pole position to become the first player in the Saddleworth and District Cricket League to reach 1,000 runs this season.

“An innings like that only happens four or fives times in a 20-year career,” said the South African.

“I felt in the zone. It was a good wicket to bat on and I had plenty of balls to hit, which obviously helps.

“This game is not about individuals, though, it is a team game, and everyone worked hard.”

Van Schalkwyk’s top knock lifted Heyside to 341 for five, with Greenfield dismissed for 158 in reply.

This is the all-rounder’s first season at Heyside, after being chosen as the man to fill the boots of big-hitting Namibian batsman Gerrie Snyman.

Van Schalkwyk, who played for Colne in the Lancashire League in 2013, has fitted in well at Heyside, and his performances have increased the prospect of him staying on to play next year when the club switches to the CLL.

He added: “They are a good bunch of lads here.

“They are of a similar age and play good cricket. I’m enjoying it.”

The Heyside club are getting their money’s worth out of Van Schalkwyk and, with wickets continue to firm up under the baking-hot sun, a lot more bowlers are sure to suffer at his hands.