GREG DIMERY was the talk of the Cross Cup first round with his 165 not out as Atherton beat Little Hulton by 43 runs.

The Australian pro who faced 147 balls, was just one short of the competition record set some 64 years ago by Atherton batsmen Tom Boardman.

Phillip West also scored 51, after knocking a century on Saturday, but was run out in bizarre fashion when Dimery hit a straight drive that was deflected off bowler Ian Lee on to the stumps to run West out as he tried to back up.

DIMERY scored his 165 not out with 19 fours and three sixes, altogether he had faced just 147 balls.

His first 50 was reached in 64 deliveries, which included six fours.

The Aussie's second 50, which took him to his century, was achieved in the next 58 deliveries, by now he had hit 12 fours.

He scored in each of the remaining 25 balls he faced, scoring 65 to make up his stunning total.