South African star Ruben Claassen announced his arrival in English cricket in style last Saturday.

Claassen cracked a memorable debut century to lead Kimbolton to a 147-run demolition of Saffron Walden 2nds – their second successive Tucker Gardner League Division Two victory.

He was responsible for 125 of the locals’ impressive tally of 295-4 with former skipper James Biddle adding another 87.

Then captain-for-the-day Chris Gilthorpe took over with the ball, claiming 5-22 as the visitors were dismissed for 150.

Skipper Mark Roberts, who missed the game due to a christening, said: “I didn’t get along to the ground in time to see Ruben bat, but from what the lads were saying it was a superb innings.

“He was dropped once in the 70s but, as all good batsmen do, he made Saffron Walden pay for the let-off.

“He also bowled 10 very good overs and probably deserved more than the solitary wicket he did take.

“He has already brought a lot to the club, on and off the pitch, in only a few days over here.”

There was a ‘home’ success with a difference for St Ives last Saturday as they saw off Cambridge Granta 2nds by 80 runs.

It actually arrived at Wisbech, where the locals were forced to set up a makeshift base for the day due to another event going on at their St Ivo Outdoor Centre home.

New signing Nikhil Kumpukkal thumped 88 off just 69 balls to spearhead St Ives’ march to 234-9. Captain Ryan Withers, who fell eight runs short of a half-century, also contributed well.

Shaun Asplin was the pick of the St Ives bowlers with 3-10 as they restricted Granta to just 154-8 in reply while Withers also chipped in with a couple of victims.

Warboys were also able to defend a sizable score when triumphing by 53 runs at Newborough to register a first success since relegation from Division One.

Adam Hyde (47), Adam Fahey (40) and James Wright (30) helped the locals to a handy 237 before they removed their hosts for 184.

Matt Lavender led the way with 3-32 while the impressive Hyde was also among the wickets with 2-18.

Warboys then saw a Bank Holiday Monday trip to Fordham abandoned due to torrential rain.

Matt Duncan’s side had piled up 269-8 before the contest was halted with the hosts 53-1 in reply.

There was a second successive defeat for Huntingdon & District last Saturday. Martin Burton’s side were beaten by five wickets at March.

Only a quickfire 44 from Abdullah Sheikh, batting at 10, helped them to 128 – a tally the hosts eased past with plenty in hand.