PHIL Weston believes he broke through a barrier when he became Worcestershire's first century-maker of the season.

And he's determined to prove it by producing more ton-up displays before the end of what he hopes will be a free-scoring campaign.

Twenty-five-year-old Weston overcame the hurdle of his maiden limited-over century when he cracked a splendid 125 in Worcestershire's weather-affected 117-run National League Division one triumph over arch rivals Warwickshire at Edgbaston.

His previous highest one-day score had been 80 not out against Durham in a Sunday League match at New Road in 1996.

He said: "I felt very good after the century at Edgbaston. It was my first in one-day cricket and hopefully it was a bit of a barrier that I've broken and I can go on and get a few more."

This season a heavy burden of responsibility is resting on Weston's shoulders along with his new opening partner Paul Pollard.

Their runs will be vital if Worcestershire are to achieve their two main objectives - and that's to book a place in the top section of next season's County Championship and remain in Division One of the National League.

"It's a really big season for us and we are all fully aware of that. It's a challenge we are all looking forward to and if we pull together I'm sure that we can make up for the loss of Tom Moody and Graeme Hick while they are in the World Cup."

On a personal note, however, Weston was delighted with his ton-up exploits against Warwickshire when put on 149 in 27 overs with Pollard (70).

"I was pleased with it, but really it was more important that we got a good win under our belts because every game is so important in all the competitions this year."

Weston, however, is particularly anxious to make a big impression in the Championship this year and complete 1,000 first-class runs in a season for the fourth time in his career.

His highest seasonal tally so far was in 1996 when he piled up 1,389 while last year he missed out by falling short on 829.

He also failed to score a century in any competition last term, making his boundary-laced ton at Edgbaston even more satisfying.

After scoring 112 in two innings against Oxford University in the three-day first-class friendly in the Parks, Weston did not make the best of starts in the opening two weather-ravaged County Championship games with Durham at the Riverside and Surrey at New Road.

Against his home county of Durham he made just 2 and 0 and in one innings against Surrey suffered another 'duck'.

He followed up with 45 and 2 off the Nottinghamshire attack at Trent Bridge and is now eager to give his current tally a major boost when Worcestershire open their Championship match against Hampshire at Southampton on Friday.

"I struggled big time in the first two Championship games, but I think that's just a little bit down to the conditions. It's quite hard for an opening batter in stop-start conditions, but I was very pleased to get a few runs in the one-day game.

"I wasn't sure at the start of the season what my role would be in the National League. I didn't open the batting last year, I batted in the middle order and obviously if you do that it's a different kind of role to play.

"But wherever I'm picked I'm just looking to do a job and basically treat each game as it comes.

"If I do end up opening the batting regularly then I'll be looking to play the kind of innings I did against Warwickshire. But if I'm in the middle order I'll look to play a different way as well. It's just what I'm told to do really."

Weston, meanwhile, is enjoying opening the batting with newcomer Pollard, the former Nottinghamshire left-hander.

"I just hope we can get off to some sound starts throughout the season and help the side win as many games as possible. That's as far as I'm looking really.

"To finish in the top nine in the Championship to make sure we are in division one next season is, I think, a realistic goal. Anything more would be a bonus really.

"If we go out with that sort of attitude then you never know what we might achieve.

"Steve Rhodes is doing a very good job as captain and we are all behind him."

Monday, May 10, 1999.