ONLY a dropped catch denied Martin Johnson a 10 wicket haul but his figures of 9-56 were still enough to earn the Pershore bowler the Evening News/Duncan Fearnley Cricket Sales Ltd Cricketer of the Week award.

The 44-year-old's display against Astwood Bank also helped his club into joint second place with Pedmore in the Worcestershire League Division.

Pershore won by 49 runs with Johnson's medium pace doing the damage and helping whittle the home side out for 90.

Johnson from Lower Wick, is now looking forward to a clash with Division One leaders and his old club Old Elizabethans next week and after an indifferent start to the season has found his form in style.

"We've got some great young bowlers but after this they are not going to be able to get the ball off me," he said.

"Last year I took 58 wickets but this year I have not bowled as well but the pitch was in my favour and in fact I could have had 10 wickets but the ninth man was dropped at short leg.

"It was a great performance but the most important thing was that we won and got our season on track."

Johnson was also a rugby player in his younger days, playing full back for Worcester Rugby Club and managed to dislocate both of his shoulders.

Fortunately that has not affected his bowling and his excellent figures have earned him £40 vouchers to spend at Duncan Fearnley Cricket Sales Ltd, Sherriff Street, Worcester.

Like the best sportsman Johnson has impeccable timing and he will he put his vouchers towards replacing his 1987 Duncan Fearnley Magnam bat which he broke just two weeks ago.

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