CRAIG Usher is the first nominee in The Northern Echo Cricketer of the Year competition.

Last week we began the hunt for the region's finest and Usher's early season achievement makes him an early contender for the May award, the winner of which will go towards the overall prize presented at the end of the campaign.

We have been flooded with entries for the competition but Usher's achievements have set the early pace. His batting talent is undisputed: a score of 183 not out for Ushaw Moor Cricket Club 2nds against Sedgefield on May 10 set a massive new club record. His innings included nine sixes and 19 fours. Craig, who celebrated his 17th birthday on Tuesday has been nominated by his dad, Fred, and has played for Ushaw Moor, near Durham, for the last five years.

It was Fred who first introduced him to the club where he had played as a junior, and Craig's game has gone from strength to strength.

Whilst his main ambition is to play for the his native Durham in the First Class County Championship, he currently works full time after leaving Durham Johnston School.

Fred thinks top class cricket isn't beyond his son's reach: "But then I suppose I'm biased," said his proud dad. Craig has trained all winter and attended Crook-based Richard Manual's weekly coaching sessions at Willington's school and it seems to have paid off with his name already at the top of the batting records and several first team appearances this season.

But he says he could not have done it without the encouragement of his parents who have financially supported his cricketing which has required expensive equipment and sacrifices have been made while the encouragement of the club and teammates have also been vital.

Fred believes his son deserves to be crowned Cricketer of the Year 2003, and he said: "He always gives 100 per cent to his cricket. He loves it and won't be satisfied unless both he and the team give their all and plays to the best of their ability."

* Ushaw Moor, captained by Gary O'Hara, could be about to lose the services of Don Williams, both a player and treasurer. He is considering retirement after 20 years with the club.