MARK Stewart bowled his 1,562nd career wicket against Kearsley on Saturday to write his name in Bolton League history.

The Greenmount veteran is now the highest wicket-taker ever after taking his 58th wicket of the season.

In what was only a matter of time coming, the in-form bowler took his seventh five-wicket haul of the campaign for 51 runs.

But Kearsley did not follow the script for Stewarts special day – knocking the Brandlesholme Road men from top spot down to third.

A very poor Kearsley start was given some hope by Chris Fenn (65) in the middle-order, before ninth-place batsman Mohammed Jameel struck 56 late on to finish on 174 all out – Stewart did the damage with the ball taking 6-51.

Greenmount rallied in reply with Phil Ingram (62no) and Ryan Senior (30no) scoring high, but when rain hit after on the 29th over the players had no chance of getting back on the pitch and Kearsley were awarded the win due to a faster run rate.

And although the result dampened the day for Stewart, he was still in good spirits following the phenomenal achievement: “I am disappointed with the result as we should have won but I am pleased to have got the record – it was only a matter of time really,” he said.

“When you have played for a long time these records are bound to come around but I couldn't have done it without my team-mates.

“We have got a great team and we have got to play all the top sides yet so we will be up there come the end of the year.

“We do not fear anyone and can challenge any team in this league.”

However, Stewart is still undecided on what the future may hold for himself: “They say the best time to retire is when you are on the top of your game, and if I achieve 100 wickets this season then you never know.

“I don't know if I will keep on playing. I will have a long think about it but of course I have a very strong bond with Greenmount and could well make the switch over to the Greater Manchester League with them.