MARK Cox beat the weather and the bat to claim the best bowler of the week award for Malvern seconds.

The 29-year-old hit form to help his side defeat Romsley & Hunnington by nine wickets in their Crusader Worcestershire County League Division Two clash.

Meanwhile Richard Williams, who only filled in as a last minute reserve, blasted an unbeaten 138 for Colwall thirds to win the best batsman's prize.

Cox's figures of 6-14 included a hat-trick - the second time he has performed the feat - and paved the way for a comfortable win against bottom club Romsley.

On a day when the rain washed out most matches in the county it was always going to take a special effort to achieve a result and Malvern, aided by Cox, did so in devastating fashion by dismissing the visitors for a paltry 44.

"They weren't the strongest side and with the bowling conditions favourable, it was all over in two hours which was just as well because otherwise it would have been rained off," said the 29-year-old, an IT worker.

His hat-trick was broken up by an over with two wickets coming off his penultimate over and the third capturing the last wicket with the first ball of his final over.

Williams' unbeaten 138 for Colwall at Feckenham proved in vain with his efforts denied by the rain despite a 34th over declaration at 253-3 in a bid to get a result.

The 43-year-old former first team player bludgeoned 24 off the final over including three sixes and a four and then revealed it was only his second innings of the summer.

"I've given up cricket this year because of the travelling involved but when they are short I just come along to help out, it's as simple as that," said Williams who runs an engineering business in Bromyard.

Both players will receive £30 vouchers to be spent at Fearnley Factory Shop cricket equipment specialists in Sherriff Street, Worcester.

Nominations for the award can be dropped in at the Evening News offices in Hylton Road, Worcester, e-mailed to us at wensport@thisisworcester.co.uk or faxed in on 01905-742277 but must reach us no later than 12noon on Tuesday.

The sports editor's decision is final.