Like a volcano waiting to erupt, Janeiro Tucker's bat finally exploded against Cleveland County on Sunday at St.John's Field.

The dreadlocked dynamo briefly revisited the punishing form which saw him surpass Lloyd James' Cup Match record of 173 for the highest individual score in 2001 when he set a new mark of 186 at Wellington Oval.

The Southampton skipper along with veteran Olin Jones rescued their team from 46 for five to post a mammoth 196 fifth-wicket stand that saw the visitors compile a formidable total of 283 for seven wickets in their allotted 50 overs.

Tucker smashed 13 fours and 11 sixes off 94 balls during an aggressive unbeaten knock worth 154 which ultimately enabled Southampton to win by 56 runs and extend their lead in the Premier Division standings.

The talented all-rounder is now a firm candidate to receive this week's BTC Player of the Week award from his employers, Bermuda Telephone Company.

Janeiro is the son of former Somerset Cup Match skipper John Tucker.

“We were in a bit of trouble but I didn't really feel any additional pressure,” said Tucker yesterday, having refused to talk to the media immediately after the match.

“The wicket was playing easy and I felt comfortable at the crease. I just figured that eventually the runs would come but it was always a matter of on which day.

Now that the sleeping giant has been awakened, it's not surprising that Tucker has suddenly acquired a huge appetite for runs, which up until Sunday continued to elude the aggressive middle-order batsman who has endured more than his share of failure with the willow this season.

“Every time you make a big score you always hope to continue in that form and build on it. I had a lot of fun batting with Oli (Olin Jones) because he's always straight up and down. He doesn't have to hit no sixes and understands his role,” Tucker added.

The skipper said overall he was pleased by his team's performances so far this season but that it was too early to begin predicting any possible success.

“I ain't getting into all of that right now. It's still way too early to start making any predictions.

“But I'm pleased with the team's overall performances this year and there's always room for improvement,” he said.

Southampton currently lead the league with five wins and just one loss so far.

The club last savoured a league championship in 1999.

Reflecting on Sunday's match-winning innings, Tucker insisted that knock couldn't compare to his historic innings at Wellington Oval two years ago.

“It wasn't even close,” he said.