HITTING his fourth century for his county has landed a 12-year-old from Stocksfield in the history books.

Promising cricketer Luke Doneathy, who plays for his home village’s third team in the Northumberland and Tyneside Senior League, is believed to be the first person to hit four 100s while representing Northumberland at any age level.

His crowning glory came when he made an excellent 144 from just 100 balls to guide Northumberland U13 to a comfortable triumph at Cumbria.

It followed the three tons he made for the U12 representative side last year.

The achievement justifies the buzz around the talented youngster who captains the team, and who is hoping to follow in the footsteps of his older brother James (15).

Making his mark in the Stocksfield first team, James has long been on the radar of Durham and has the potential to go far in the sport.

And that is true of Luke too who, in addition to making 144 with 21 fours and three sixes, chipped in with three catches in the field which included a superb, one-handed dive to his right.

As a result of his brilliant performances in the past, Luke is part of Northumberland Cricket Board’s Emerging Player Pathway, which brings together the best young talent in the county. Luke is currently the youngest member of the squad.

Father Mark said: “He is a pretty relaxed, cool character and takes it all in his stride. You wouldn’t know if he had scored 100 or got a duck!

“To be fair, you try to play it all down but it’s always nice when you listen to other parents and coaches and they speak highly of his talent.

“Luke quite likes the pressure and just likes to score runs by being a positive batsman. He loves playing cricket and it is something he would love to do full-time when he’s a bit older.”

While making an impression in junior cricket, the Ovingham Middle School pupil is also more than handling himself while representing the third team.

Yet it his involvement with Northumberland which is seeing him cause quite a stir, particularly his latest display.

It looked like he could bat all day as he opened, but he seemed to grow a bit bored towards the end, before finally departing on 144 when trying a reverse sweep.

Northumberland Cricket Board development officer for West Northumberland, Tom Cant, said: “Luke is extremely talented, a part of the Northumberland EPP squad and a huge credit to Stocksfield Cricket Club for developing numerous county juniors.

“As well as being talented, Luke is a good listener and has made a good start to the 2015 season after a great 2014.

“EPP head coach Dan Shurben and I hope he can kick on throughout the season for both club and county.”

Luke’s starring role helped Northumberland to a comfortable 204 run success over their Cumbria hosts.

Having been asked to bat first, they finished their 40 overs on 238-4 with Cumbria all out on just 34 in the 22nd over.