Hanson is a huge hit in stunning Millers win

DANNY Hanson is the toast of Langley Mill this week after playing one of the most remarkable innings ever seen in local cricket.

His side were dead and buried in their Evening Telegraph Bayley Cup semi-final at Walton-on-Trent on Sunday, having slumped to 92-7 from 27 overs in pursuit of the home side's 244-7.

At that point, 19-year-old Hanson, who had scored four, started to swing the bat.

His innings could have been no more than a determined piece of defiance in a hopeless situation, with Langley Mill needing nine an over, even if they had wickets in hand.

But he began to pepper the surrounding fields with sixes and, suddenly, there was concern in the Walton ranks.

Hanson added 105 in 13 overs with James Harrison (25) but, when Harrison was out at 197, David Farnsworth followed two runs later for one and Langley Mill were on 199-9, still needing 46 to win from only six overs.

Luke Rowley, who had earlier taken 2-37 in nine overs of off-spin, offered sensible support and watched admiringly from the other end, as Hanson plundered 30 from one of those overs.

The pair arrived at the last over with only one needed and, surrounded by close fielders, Rowley kept his cool and chipped the ball over them for the winning run, making his contribution three in a last-wicket stand of 46.

Hanson, incredibly, had reached his century from 43 balls and his whole innings encompassed only 56 balls.

He had smashed 11 sixes and five fours to propel the Millers to the most unlikely of victories – and to a final against Hilton at Alfreton on Sunday, August 24.

In the other Bayley Cup semi, Hilton scored a modest 177 all out at home to Marehay but Adam McGoldrick then took 6-20, as Marehay were bowled out for only 113.