HAMPSHIRE CC'S Tom Prest has notched his maiden half-century on Australian soil.

The exciting Wimborne-based batsman, who captained England to last year’s ICC Under-19 World Cup final in the West Indies, is spending a so far rain affected winter in Sydney, writes Mike Vimpany.

He is playing New South Wales Premier first grade crcket for Eastern Suburbs, whose famous Waverley ground – where Geoffrey Boycott and the late Tony Greig played in the past - is little more than a six-hit from Bondi Beach.

Prest made his mark when he scored 55 (one six and five fours) as Eastern Suburbs posted 375-9 declared and then took two wickets, besides pouching a catch, when the University of NSW replied.

But his efforts were to little avail as an unbeaten double century by New South Wales and Sydney Thunder left-hander Matthew Gilkes swept the UNSW to a five-wicket victory.