ALL-ROUNDER Paul Young has enjoyed an impressive start to the season for Hallow seconds.

The 38-year-old amassed 148 runs in two games against Bromyard thirds — beating them by one wicket in Worcestershire League Division 10 but losing on the toss of a coin in the knock-out cup.

However, his exploits with the ball caught the eye in their latest outing as he tore through Astwood Bank fourths with his seam bowling claiming figures of 7-26.

It paved the way for a commanding 10-wicket triumph and earned Young the accolade of Worcester News player-of-the-week, for which he wins a £30 Fearnley Factory Shop voucher.

He said: “I just put the ball on the spot and the conditions did the rest.

“It was very heavy in the air and the ground was moist. It was a new ball so it was seaming a mile from the batsmen and you were expecting a wicket every time. It was just one of those days.

“I was over the moon, it was a great sense of achievement. The win moves the club forward and hopefully we can go on and get promotion.”

Having won the toss and opted to bowl, Young helped skittle Bank for just 64 in 24.3 overs, aided by 3-14 from skipper David Mason.

Hallow then wasted little time in cruising to victory in 12.1 overs with openers Brian Williams (21) and Graeme Fowler (19), as well as 28 extras, ensuring Young was not called upon to bat.

Captain Mason added: “There were no real gremlins in the pitch and we bowled quite tightly.

“They did have some youngsters playing — you get that in Division 10 — but Paul bowled very well and was swinging the ball both ways.”

Young has been with Hallow for three years after spending the majority of his career with Whittington and Flyford Flavell.

Although used to playing for the village team’s first string, he has been earmarked as the seconds’ skipper-elect for next season and wants to be prepared for the role.

“I usually play higher up in Division Six,” Young said.

“It’s quite a drop in standard and a newer division but there are still good players.

“The main age group is under 25 but you do get older players such as myself. It’s an introductory league but still competitive.

“Our team is mainly made up of youngsters and, as I captain the side on a Sunday and will probably be captain of the Saturday seconds next year, I dropped down to get some continuity.

“We want to continue as we are and get promotion to Division Nine.”