GRAEME Hick completed a double century for Worcestershire in the Frizzell County Championship Division One match against Glou-cestershire at New Road today.

He reached the milestone with three sixes and 30 fours off 300 balls. It was his 14th double ton for the County.

Majestic Hick continued to rewrite the record books by hitting 183 not out yesterday, while skipper Ben Smith made 166 not out as the County stacked up an impressive 396-2 off 104 overs by the close last night.

Both batsmen were in total control during a third wicket partnership which was worth 359 when they resumed today.

For Hick, who celebrates his 38th birthday on Sunday, it was the 124th first-class ton of his career to make him sole occupant of 11th place in the all-time list of century-makers.

He now has one more than Denis Compton and is just two away from W.G. Grace.

Yesterday's free-scoring exploits followed his previous first-class innings at New Road when he hammered an undefeated 204 off the New Zealanders attack.

Hick's deluge of runs, however, has not surprised the County's director of cricket Tom Moody.

He said: "Hicky had an unfortunate time in 2003 because he was just starting to reach top form when he broke his hand.

"He was out of the game for some time, which was frustrating for him, and when he came back he never really captured that form. But I think he has looked at this year an opportunity to make up for lost time and is piling up the runs."

Hick said: "The sun was out all day and although the new ball did a bit, once it had dried out, the conditions favoured the batter and it was very pleasant out there.

"I enjoy getting hundreds and then going on to get big ones when I'm really in.

"The longer I'm at the crease the better, as I still get great pleasure from playing, but it won't mean much if we don't go on to win the game."

Hick has now chalked up 94 first-class centuries for Worcestershire with 43 of them coming at New Road.

It was also his ninth ton against Gloucestershire -- more than against any other county.

Although Hick delighted the New Road faithful by frequently making changes to the record books, Smith also had a day he won't forget in a hurry.

He was in dominant mood to register the 31st first-class ton of his career and safely eclipsed his previous highest score for Worcestershire which was the 137 he made on debut against Oxford UCCE in The Parks in April, 2002.

By the close last night Hick had two sixes and 28 fours to his credit while Smith's tally had been boosted by two sixes and 24 fours.