GRAEME Hick illuminated floodlit New Road with a dazzling century to power Worcestershire Royals to the top of the National League Division One thanks to a nerve-jangling two-run win over Leicestershire Foxes last night.

Hero Hick blasted an undefeated 110 as the County notched 250-6 before spinner Richard Illingworth grabbed 4-49 to help dismiss the Foxes for 248 with a ball to spare.

Their combined efforts hoisted Worcestershire to the head of the table, level on points with rivals Yorkshire Phoenix but with a precious game in hand.

Man-of-the-match Hick said afterwards: "We are not surprised we are top. We know we can play decent one-day cricket and compete with anyone.

"It's one of those competitions that if you get on a roll you can carry on. Along the way there have been some very good winning performances and we feel we deserve to be up there."

Hick delighted the 4,100 spectators who attended the County's first-ever floodlit fixture by taming a Foxes attack which conceded 50 extras, including 35 wides.

He smashed 13 fours off 131 balls for his first limited over century of the season. His contribution enabled the County to chalk up the highest one-day score at New Road this season.

Hick added: "At 250 I thought we had at least 30 or 40 too many, but they played really well and kept the game alive."

Hick, who made £1,286 from a ground collection for his Benefit, put on 64 in 15 overs for the second wicket with Tom Moody (20) and a further 92 off 17 overs during a third wicket partnership with Vikram Solanki (39).

Leicestershire set the scene for their gallant victory bid with a brisk 57-run opening stand between Iain Sutcliffe and Darren Stevens.

The Foxes, however, began to hit problems when Moody removed Chris Lewis and Sutcliffe in the space of three balls.

Ben Smith and Darren Maddy then lifted their side's fortunes with a 60-run stand in 13 overs before the drama really began to unfold.

Smith, in particular, was in splendid form before becoming one of Illingworth's crucial haul after scoring 74 which included one six and seven fours off 85 balls.

Illingworth also captured Tim Mason with his next delivery and when the last tense over, bowled by Alamgir Sheriyar began, the Foxes needed 13 for victory.

It came down to four off the last two balls when the County clinched victory with Matthew Rawnsley running out Darren Williamson with a throw from long on.