Young Alfie Cooper proved he is a chip off the old block by scoring his maiden century on the same day as his father Kevin was also rattling up three figures.

Saturday was a real red letter day for the Cooper family as Alfie, 11, posted 100 not out for Norwich School at Ipswich, and veteran Kevin weighed in with 102 not out for Swardeston CEYMS against Norwich B.

Both father and son were delighted by the rare simultaneous achievements – which mean that June 16 will remain a special day in family history for years to come..

'I was very pleased – it can't have happened very often,' said Kevin.

'I learned about Alfie's 100 by a text from my wife. It was lovely. I later said to Alfie it's about time you got one. He has been playing cricket since he could hold a bat at the age of four.'

Alfie's friend Oscar Binny also scored a century, with 126, in the same game for Norwich School and the duo spent Saturday night together before teaming up to help CEYMS Norfolk Under 12s win a friendly against Northants U12s at Great Oakham CC, Corby, the following day.

'We had three centurions in the house on Saturday night. It worked out that we were 328-1,' said Kevin.

Cooper senior had an extra reason to celebrate his success as it was his second century in a row, after 112 against Aldborough in the previous game he played.

'It's the first time I have ever scored back-to-back hundreds, although I have probably had back-to-back hundreds off my bowling,' he laughed.

Kevin, 49, has been a Swardeston regular for over 25 years and also enjoyed success with Lowestoft. In his heyday he has been six times a Carter Cup winner and has also enjoyed Norfolk Alliance Premier Division title success.

A useful fast medium bowler in his prime, he accepts he is not quite the force of old with the ball, although the bat clearly remains a useful weapon in his hands.

'I am just glad to be able to turn the arm over,' said Kevin, who is most likely to be found in action for Swardeston's third or fourth Saturday team. He manages the Norfolk Under 12s team, and also coaches at the popular Tuesday night sessions at the Common.

'Last week we had 84 boys at Under 9s and Under 11s. It seems that cricket at the moment, if the weather is OK, is booming.'