EASTNOR captain Jabran Khalid paid tribute to Shahid Ahmed after the fast bowler wrote himself into the history books with a stunning 10-wicket haul.

Ahmed returned figures of 10-33 in 13 overs to remove every Netherton batsman as Crusader Worcestershire League Division One leaders Eastnor won by seven wickets.

The 36-year-old ripped through the Netherton order, skittling the basement boys for just 72 before Eastnor got home on 73-3.

It is the first time a clean sweep of wickets has been achieved in Eastnor’s 100-year history and it is also one of the best efforts since the county league began 10 years ago.

Skipper Khalid said: “It’s the 100th year of Eastnor next year and we have never seen anything like that.

“It’s a fitting tribute to him because he’s been our best bowler for the past 10 years.

“He’s taken 35 wickets in the last four games, which is the reason we have been getting 24 points.”

With just one weekend of matches to go, in which Eastnor can secure promotion to the Birmingham League, Ahmed becomes our last cricketer of the week for the season and wins a £30 Fearnley Factory Shop voucher.

Ahmed said: “I was really feeling great, nobody had taken 10 wickets for Eastnor before. It was a very good feeling taking 10 wickets. It’s the achievement of a lifetime.

“I have taken nine wickets before and eight a few times but never 10. I wasn’t feeling different after taking nine wickets but when I took the last one, that was something special.”

The Worcester-based all-rounder continued: “I don’t think I can achieve anything more than this. Taking 10 wickets is the most a bowler can do in one-day cricket. As a batsman, I would like to get 200 runs but it’s not going to happen!

“Hopefully, next year I will concentrate more on the batting because my batting hasn’t been that good. Normally, I am an all-rounder.”

Eastnor, who are eight points ahead of second-placed Stourbridge in the table, visit Pershore on Saturday as they attempt to seal the Division One title.

The Herefordshire team, who include seven players from Worcestershire, have seen their fixtures hit by the weather but, thanks to the efforts of Ahmed, are in a great position for promotion.

Khalid added: “We have had seven games called off, nearly twice as many as some clubs, but hopefully the weather will hold off this weekend and we can win it the proper way.”