BIRLINGHAM batsman Andy Howorth smashed a century and a fifty to claim the Fearnley Factory Shop batsman of the week award.

The big-hitting opener has been in fine form and followed up midweek knocks of 52 not out and 47no with his second hundred of the summer against Belbroughton in Division Three of the Crusader Worcestershire League.

Meanwhile Chaddesley Corbett spinner, Tom Mole, secured the bowler of the week award with seven wickets for Chaddesley Corbett seconds at Hagley.

Howorth rounded off a good week with the bat when he scored 122 of Birlingham's 202 total but Belbroughton ultimately proved too strong to win by six-wickets.

"Belbroughton are quite a decent outfit and although we are in the same league they are a class apart but we gave it our best shot," said Howorth.

Howorth's ton was typically robust, littered with fours and sixes, but on a blisteringly hot day the national account manager admitted he was not planning on running too many singles.

"It was very hot out there so I didn't bother with too many singles. The way I bat is all fours and sixes anyway," added the 33-year-old, who has a rich cricketing pedigree.

His grandfather, Dick, was the former England and Worcestershire bowler, who made test history by claiming a wicket with his first ball in Test cricket.

Incidentally the only England player to repeat that feat since was another Worcestershire off spinner, Richard Illingworth.

Howorth also chipped in with 52no against Worcester City Police in the Worcester Evening League which they won by 31 runs followed a day later by 47no in the Dowdeswell Cup seven wicket victory against the same opponents.

The shortened game is one that suits Howorth well. "It's a case of hitting out from ball one and is more about entertainment and a beer afterwards than anything else," he said.

Mole, 47, who took 7-21 in Chaddesley's 187 run win at Hagley, is in lethal form at present having taken 8-17 in his previous match and is on course to achieve his target of 40 wickets for the season.

"I've been playing about 35 years but must admit I'm enjoying a bit of an Indian summer at the moment," said the left arm spinner, who also claimed two catches to have a hand in nine of the Hagley wickets to fall.

"The pitch looked like it was going to be a real turner because there were a few cracks but it didn't actually do a lot, I was just pretty accurate.

"Last week's eight-wicket haul was the best of my career and if I get more than 40 wickets for the season I'll be happy."

Both players win £30 vouchers to be spent at the Fearnley Factory Shop, based at Unit 10 Sheriff Street, Worcester (telephone 01905 612981). fearnley@fearnleycricket.co.uk