A notable double for Mike Hingley

As England get ready to battle for the Ashes Down Under, Old Hill's promising young opening batsman Mike Hingley is celebrating a notable double.

Hingley has landed the Hawk Cricket sponsored Cricketer of The Year award and continued his rise through the ranks by earning a place in Worcestershire's academy.

Belbroughton-based batmakers Hawk teamed up with the Express & Star for a second consecutive summer, providing a series of Cricketer of The Month awards and one stunning end of season prize.

Hingley picked up one of the monthly accolades and a voucher for £75 to be redeemed at Hawk's cricket shop, after becoming the youngest player to score a century for Old Hill in the Birmingham League.

And now he has landed the top prize of a complete cricket makeover, which includes one of Hawk's renowned hand-made bats.

Hingley enjoyed a hugely-successful season with Old Hill, scoring over 1,000 first-team runs, and his promise has been further recognised with two more awards.

The 16-year-old, who lives in Sedgley and attends Halesowen College, was named North Worcestershire League Player of The Year after scoring 560 runs at an average of 93 and was named Old Hill's Young Cricketer of The Year.

Hawk Cricket co-owner Mike Hawk paid tribute to Mike's success this season, saying: "Mike is a very talented young player and a deserved winner of this award.

"He has been granted a place on Worcestershire's academy and we wish him all the best and hope he continues to thrive."

Express & Star Sports Editor Stuart Austen said:"We were delighted to run the competition again with Hawk and congratulate Mike."