DANNY Leech and skipper Andy Hall set a county record as Cheshire cruised to victory over Devon.

Leech, the Whitegate-based Oulton Park opener, and his captain shared a second-wicket stand of 287, beating the previous best set in 1980 by John Hitchmough (177 not out) and his skipper Ian Cock-bain (117no) against Wales at Neston by 10 runs.

Leech scored 119 and Hall 177 in the Minor Counties Championship against the title holders at Chester Boughton Hall.

Leech, who emerged as a potential county star while at Winnington Park, missed out on selection for some of Cheshire's MCCA Knockout Trophy matches earlier this season, but he is no stranger to big partnerships.

Five years ago at Alderley Edge he made an unbeaten 152 for Cheshire in a 248 fourth-wicket partnership with Richard Hignett (183) against Cornwall. He and Ben Spendlove forged 220 between them in a County League match last summer.

Resuming on 4-1 overnight, Cheshire needed 291 for victory on the final day's play, having routed Devon for 118 in their second innings.

Left-hander Leech hit one six and 18 fours in his excellent knock, which came off 213 balls, and the pair were at the crease for more than four hours.

'It's great to break records, me and Danny both enjoyed it out there, but the most important thing for us was to win,' said Hall.

'That's a great start to the season and a good platform to build on.'

Cheshire last won the Minor Counties crown in 2005. They take on Berkshire next at Finchampstead Park from Sunday to Tuesday and play Devon again in the Knockout Trophy semi-finals on Sunday week, also at Chester BH.

Scores: Devon 405-9 (Ben Spendlove 2-36) & 118, Cheshire 233 & 292-1.