History was made in the Overgangsklasse on Sunday, when Excelsior ’20 batsman Carl Schewe recorded the highest-ever individual score in that division, hitting 237 against neighbours Asvion Schiedam before retiring.

His score was one higher than Excelsior’s previous club record for any senior competition, which had been held by Eric Holierhoek. He made 236 not out in a Division 2 match against Hengelo in 1988.

Schewe, a former Hoofdklasse batsman who scored 8210 runs for his club in the top flight, put on an opening stand of 326 with RJ van Gelderen – also a club record for Excelsior.

The final total of 420 for four was, unsurprisingly, the highest recorded in the Overgangsklasse, beating the 404 for six by HCC 3 against Arnhem, again in 1988. At that time, however, matches were 55 overs a side, rather than the current 50.

Only seven players have exceeded Schewe’s mark of 237 at any level of Dutch domestic cricket. The overall record is still held by Nolan Clarke, who made 265 not out for Quick Haag against Bloemendaal in a Hoofdklasse match in 1990.

Schewe is one of a number of former Hoofdklasse players who continue to enjoy their cricket while participating in the lower divisions, as well as making a valuable contribution to the development of the younger players in their sides.

It’s a reasonable assumption that he found Sunday’s match especially enjoyable!

Photo: Bart Kroesen