Alex Oxley continues to re-write the record books, writes Nick Garnham.

The 16-year-old, who became Suffolk’s youngest player since the Second World War when he made his debut at Northumberland last month, set another record against Norfolk this week.

The Bury St Edmunds batsman became the youngest player ever to score a half century against Norfolk when he made 53 in Suffolk’s first innings of the Unicorns Championship match at Manor Park.

The statistic was revealed when adjudicator Robin Huggins, a former Norfolk opening batsman and past president, was making the man-of-the-match award following the drawn fixture.

The award went to Norfolk’s professional, Rob Taylor, for his 100 in the home side’s first innings, but Huggins said: “I am sure Alex Oxley will be a thorn in many Minor Counties sides in the years to come.”

The Culford School student said: “It was good to be given the opportunity to bat at No.3 and it came off for me.

“I enjoyed working hard for the team and having Martyn Cull at the other end was extremely helpful as he has a wealth of experience and knowledge.

“Hopefully it will be the first of many big innings I play for the county.”

Oxley’s maiden half century for Suffolk was not the only personal best posted by a visiting batsman during the three-day fixture.

Frinton captain Kyran Young followed up his best return of 4 for 62 in Norfolk’s first innings with his highest score of 49 when Suffolk batted second time around.

Darren Ironside’s undefeated 36 from 53 balls in Suffolk’s first innings was also his best yet.

Copdock & Old Ipswichian opening bowler Hugo Douglas was promoted to No.10 ahead of club captain Tom Rash, who suffered a double fracture of the middle finger on his left (non-bowling) hand on day two.

Douglas responded by facing 76 balls for a county-best unbeaten 16 and together with Rash (20 off 27 deliveries) added 32 valuable runs for the last wicket.

Suffolk, who took 11 points from the match, now sit second in the Eastern Division, and next face Cumberland at Ipswich School, starting on Sunday, July 30.