FORMER Worcestershire second XI player Neil Slade left Studley in a spin as he bowled his Ombersley side to a six-wicket win in Birmingham League Division Three.

The off-spinner put in a 20-over spell to take excellent figures of 7-45, his best return for the village side, and his efforts have secured our cricketer of the week award.

Slade, who is the son of former Worcestershire left-arm spinner Doug Slade, picks up a £30 voucher to be spent in the Fearnley Factory Shop.

The 31-year-old, who has spent much of his career playing minor counties cricket for Shropshire as well as for club side Wroxeter, said: "The wicket helped me considerably because it was breaking up a little bit. Also, we have got quite a young side at Ombersley and they all performed well in the field.

"I bowled in tandem with Matt Rawnsley and he was keeping it tight at the other end - he was unlucky not to get the wickets for himself.

"All the catches off my bowling were taken and it was just one of those days really. It was my best return since coming to play for Ombersley.

"I am Worcester-born and bred so it was good to return and play for my local side. It is a fantastic club to play for and a great bunch of lads."

Ombersley won the toss and put the home side into bat but the opening bowlers had little cutting edge as Studley moved to 65-1.

However, captain Joph Young brought on Slade and Rawnsley who bowled the remaining 40 overs together, dismissing the hosts for 173.

The visiting batsmen then took their side to victory, surpassing Studley's target for the loss of just four wickets.

Young said: "Our opening bowlers did a decent job but when Neil came on he ripped out their batsmen.

"They couldn't get him away and hadn't got a clue how or where to play him. He was also well supported by the boys in the field."

Slade is optimistic for a successful campaign this season now that the youthful Ombersley side have a little more experience under their belts.

He added: "Last year was the first season of Birmingham League cricket for a lot of our squad and we struggled a little bit.

"However, this year they all know what to expect. The younger lads all know their game more and we are better at building an innings.

"We have had a good start to the year and hopefully we can push for promotion."