RIVAL captains Richard Morris, Scott Barlow and Darren Cowley have leapt to the defence of Dave Taylor after he rewrote the cricket record books – and then came in for some fierce stick.

Taylor, Totton & Eling’s captain and coach, hit an undefeated 330 in the Eels’ 309-run win over Southern Premier League Division Three rivals Trojans, a world record for an adult in 50-overs.

The 37-year-old former Worcestershire and Derbyshire all-rounder turned out for Totton seconds after the club’s scheduled trip to Lymington in Division One had been washed out.

Taylor was criticised by former Totton captain David Banks who described the triple century as “pointless” and not in the spirit of the competition, especially as he is a coach to young players.

Banks told the Portsmouth News: “If you are the captain and coach of the first team and you are trying to help youngsters, I’m not sure how batting for 50 overs and scoring 330 does that.”

However, Bashley skipper Morris, who was due to pit his wits against Taylor tomorrow, begged to differ and said he felt the remarkable feat would set a good example to young players.

Morris told the Daily Echo: “Given the current situation with the weather, I can see why he would have wanted a game. I don’t have a problem with it and think it was fine. I don’t think people should worry too much about it. It was there to be appreciated.

“It sets a good example that, if you get in, you go on to make a big score. It is a lesson a lot of young players, especially as they have grown up with 20/20 and limited overs cricket, sometimes tend to forget.”

Bournemouth captain Barlow said: “I have nothing against people dropping down to get a game at this time of year. It was clearly a good innings but, once he had reached 150, nobody really gained anything, especially the rest of the Totton batsmen who didn’t get in.”

And Lymington’s Cowley, whose father Nigel enjoyed a successful first-class career with Hampshire, said: “I can see both sides. I don’t blame him for trying to get a game and, 330 in any standard, is very impressive. I will be making myself available for our seconds if our game is called off tomorrow.”

Taylor defended his actions when he said: “I hardly had any batting practice in the winter and pre-season nets. In my coaching role, I saw it as my task to ensure everyone else got a knock.

“When one of the originally selected players dropped out of the Trojans game, it was the general view of the club management that I should play and, if possible, go and get as much proper middle practice as I could.

“It was important I got out and faced the new ball and got in some game time, simple as that. I was partnered by two teenagers and a 20-year old during my time at the crease.”