ED Smith produced a magnificent innings of 126 as Colwall saw off Halesowen by 59 runs in the Worcestershire Sunday Club Cricket League.

The all-rounder’s century, the highest score of his career, was the crucial contribution to the match and, despite the hosts’ Onslow Parry claiming impressive figures of 5-34, it was Smith’s performance that was the highlight of the clash.

Game-time has been limited for the 21-year-old from Bromyard this season due to living in France as part of his French and Spanish degree which he is studying at Exeter University.

He made his Colwall debut aged 17 when they were in Worcestershire League Division Three and has developed into one of the most promising players at the Herefordshire outfit.

His lethal display of powerful batting won him the Worcester News player-of-the-week accolade and a £30 voucher to spend in the Fearnley Factory Shop.

Colwall chairman Gary King was delighted with Smith’s performance.

He said: “Ed is only going to get stronger and better.

“He made some landmark runs at the weekend and his batting has come on leaps and bounds.

“He is hitting the ball much harder and the rate in which he has improved after the last three years has been phenomenal.”

King added: “He has always been an opening bowler, but it is fantastic how his batting has developed and he is capable of scoring runs against anybody.

“He has a fantastic eye for hitting straight through the ball and is also getting more pace in his bowling.

“Last year, Ed lived in Exeter and he would usually come back for matches but obviously living in France this year makes that a bit more difficult, but a break from the game seems to have done him some good.”

The win over Halesowen at Seth Somers Park was only Colwall’s third success of the season and they currently sit 11th in the table.

With an average age of 19, King knows the squad is young, but believes if the players stick together then their group morale will be enough to keep them clear of the relegation mix and ensure safety for next season.

“This season has admittedly been a lot tougher than last year, even though we have more or less the same players as then,” the chairman added.

“Teams have seen us play now and, whereas last year I think we caught a lot of sides out, now we are being taken more seriously.

“People sometimes forget just how well we have done in the last few years.

“In three years we have been promoted twice as well as consolidating our Division One position last year without too much trouble.

“We have a very young side but if the group stays together and we can dig a few more results out then I see no reason why we cannot still be in this division next year.”