DEVON Conway has dedicated his stunning Worsley Cup double century to former South African Test opener Jimmy Cook.

The 25-year-old left-hander blasted an unbeaten 231 against Rishton at Seedhill on Sunday, a limited overs record and Conway’s highest individual score.

Conway’s innings included 11 sixes and 19 fours as Nelson racked up a formidable 354-4.

“I was a student under Jimmy Cook at his academy in South Africa, and he was my mentor and father figure, so that knock was for him,” said Nelson’s professional.

“It was great fun, though and I’ve got to thank the chairman for preparing such a great wicket.

“This is my sixth season in England and I can’t remember it so dry at this time of the year – they even watered the wicket at Nelson!”

On his record-breaking innings, which is bettered in all Lancashire League competitions only by Collie Smith’s 306 not out for Burnley against Lowerhouse in 1959 when the Worsley Cup was a four night timeless cricket competition, Conway added: “At the beginning it was quite sedate, but I had calculated it just right and I really enjoyed my partnership with David Crotty, who scored a fine 77.

“Certainly, once I got going it was a chanceless innings and it is definitely in the top three knocks of my career.”

Conway is in the form of his life right now, though, and Nelson will be hoping their star batsman can stay in the groove for the rest of the campaign.

In March, he scored 205 not out for his provincial club Gauteng in Johannesburg following a century against Northern Cape days earlier when he carried his bat for 127.

“I got here in good nick, but I just want to help Nelson improve and help the other lads in the team,” added Conway.

Conway, who enjoyed a spell with Somerset’s Second XI, has also played Bolton League cricket for Kearsley.

He added: “I had a great time at Somerset, and guys like Jos Butler, Marcus Trescothick, and Peter Trego were always a great help to me. I learned so much from watching them.”