GRAEME Hick revved up for the new season with a dazzling century for Worcestershire against Derbyshire at Derby yesterday.

The New Road skipper hammered 101 before the County were all out for 212 in 61.5 overs on the opening day of a two-day friendly.

When poor light stopped play early Derbyshire's reply stood at 119-4, 93 runs behind.

Hick was in sparkling form and reached the three-figure mark off 105 balls. He finally fell for 101 which contained 18 fours off 110 deliveries.

His dismissal came when he was caught at slip by Mathew Dowman off left-arm paceman Kevin Dean, who claimed four wickets.

Seamer Tim Munton also collected four scalps.

New signings Ben Smith, Stephen Peters and Gareth Batty notched 18, five and four respectively while the County's second highest scorer was vice-captain Steve Rhodes who made 20.

Paceman Chris Liptrot picked up a couple of wickets when Derbyshire launched their innings while there was also a victim apiece for Kabir Ali and Stuart Lampitt, Kabir trapping top scorer Steve Stubbings lbw for 66.

Following the conclusion of the match today, the County will start preparing for their opening three-day match against Oxford UCCE which starts in The Parks on Saturday.

Don't miss Saturday's Evening News for our eight-page guide to Worcestershire's new season, including interviews, fixtures and statistics.