KEN MARSH has shone out like a diamond amid the wreckage of Hampshire's Middleton Cup season.

Some eyes were raised when at the age of 72 the Hants Police skip was recalled but he has fully justified his place.

On Saturday, he completed a unique record for this year by finishing with a 100 per cent record. .

Having already chalked up rink wins in the county's defeats by Oxfordshire and Berkshire, Marsh made it three in a row with a 19-16 victory as Hampshire finished their group fixtures by beating the Isle of Wight 19-3 (104-96) at Atherley.

Counting the two wins he also recorded in the cup trials against Surrey and Dorset, Marsh has had a remarkable comeback.

Though the average age of county sides is getting younger all the time, his performance proves not only that experience is still a valuable quality but also that the march of time does not necessarily blunt a bowler's expertise.

Hampshire's success means they avoid the indignity of the wood spoon, that goes to the Islanders.

Yet this was not the comfortable victory many envisaged after the host county romped 22 shots ahead shortly after halfway.

The doughty Islanders fought back to level the scores, and Hampshire had just eased away again when heavy rain forced a premature end to the match. However, as there were only a handful of ends remaining the result stands.

Besides Marsh, there were victories for Boscombe Cliff trio Julian Haines (20-13), Dean Morgan (18-12) and Nicky Jones (21-17). Peter Pull (Boscombe Cliff) drew 13-13. Richard Shelley (Sports Centre) suffered the only defeat (25-13).