A RECORD-breaking double century from Russell Knight, including an amazing 55 fours, sees him win our Evening News/Duncan Fearnley Cricket Sales Ltd. Cricketer of the week award.

His unbeaten 263, also including three sixes, for Worcester Nomads' third team is the highest score ever in the two-year history of the league.

The 25-year-old's total helped his side to a new League record total of 390-2 en route to crushing Evesham by 348 runs in their Central Division match.

"I was more surprised than anyone. It's just starting to sink in," Russell said, "I'll never achieve it again."

It was a double century like no other, as, after passing the half-century mark on 18 overs, Russell was hit on the forehead from a full toss and was left dazed, but incredibly managed to reach his total within three and a half hours. He now only has bruising and a seam mark to show for his trouble.

Russell, who is primarily a medium pace bowler, is captain of Sunday side Broadwas. His previous best score was about 115, although he can't remember the exact figure. Nomads' third team play their home fixtures at Broadwas so Russell helps the Worcester side out on Saturdays. And he's glad he did.

The achievement is made more astoun-ding given that just 24 hours before the match he wasn't planning to play, having suffered shin splints on a tour the previous week. Captain Nigel Rees asked him if he would help out, and then asked if he would open the batting.

"I didn't really want to play at first," Malvern-based Russell said. But, he did, and thought the pitch would favour a batsman. How right he was.

He said if he hadn't been so tired he may have celebrated until the early hours. "I didn't really have enough energy to celebrate," Russell confessed, "I went for a drink and everyone was congratulating me. I didn't play on the Sunday, even though it rained."

Until his extraordinary score the League record had stood at 247, set last year. But, as League Administrator Alan Bayley explained, for anyone to hit over 250 runs in a Saturday afternoon 45-over match is a magnificent achievement. He described it as "absolutely incredible."

The score breaks records right, left and centre as it eclipsed Malcolm Jones' Nomads club record of 169. Malcolm congratulated him on the success, but never thought his own total would be beaten. Now he thinks Russell's score is unbeatable.

Speechless

On smashing so many records, Russell said: "I'm a little bit speechless at that."

He has been playing cricket since primary school and began at Broadwas when he was 13 and is now in his sixth season with Nomads.

Last year he was top wicket taker for Broadwas, claiming 35 wickets.

But this Saturday it's Bewdley at home. "I just take each game as it comes," he added, "I'll have a bowl if I feel up to it."

Russell joked: "At 25 I'm getting a bit old for fast bowling."

He wins a £30 voucher to be spent at Duncan Fearnley Cricket Sales Ltd. in Sherriff Street, Worcester.