The Fulwood and Broughton batsman thumped six sixes and one four in an over which included two no-balls as he posted a quickfire 87 in the Premier Division clash against Longridge at Highfield.

Patel said: "It was an incredible feeling and a very special moment because I've played at Fulwood and Broughton since I was a nine-year-old and I'm 33 now.

"I'd scored 112 a week earlier against Hoghton in the second XI and have made 350 runs this month, so I am in good nick.

"I batted at No.7, and came in when we were 50-5, but to make 40 runs from an over is something I'll remember for the rest of my life.

"I think the rest of the boys were pretty stunned but it was a lovely feeling to score those runs on my home ground."

F&B posted 226-9 thanks to Patel's fireworks with the bat, but the home side did not have it all their own way as Jason Holgate fired 118 in Longridge's reply.

However, despire that brave effort, Longridge fell eight runs short in their run chase (218-6) to ensure Patel's effort was a winning one.

Vernon Carus are still out in front after a 70-run victory at champions Great Eccleston.

Vernons piled on 216-3 with opener Ian Dunn leading the charge with an unbeaten 89, while Christian Ash (82) was also in the groove.

Great Eccleston were never in the hunt as Richard McCutcheon took 5-50 and Jamie Potter 4-9 as the hosts struggled to 146. in which Dave Crawforth top-scorde with 36.

Garstang are hot on the heels of the leaders after claiming their seventh win of the campaign against Freckleton at Bush Lane.

Full story and Palace Shield scorecards in Tuesday's Lancashire Evening Post