Hedges Champion of champions weekend had come in the final.

But had he not scored 116 in the first round against Southampton, the Eastern Counties champions might not have gotten that far.

One of the competition's finest batting performances and then tight bowling in the final have earned Richardson the right to head this week's Fab Five entries. The others include team-mate Lionel Cann, Keith Wainwright of Southampton, Wayne Richardson of Western Stars and Clay Smith of St. George's.

Allen Richardson: He and Albert Steede shared in a record second-wicket stand of 176 that laid the foundation for St. David's fine innings. This match served notice that Richardson can raise his level of competitiveness at will after sleep walking through the early part of the season. This is county time! Was not so fortunate in final against Stars with only 10 but bowled well with three for 35 in 10 overs that went some ways containing the eventual champions in the early stages.

Lionel Cann: Provided perhaps the highlight of the weekend in a little over a half-hour on Saturday. Much of that time was spent looking for balls as the rising star struck 56 from 16 deliveries with eight sixes and a four. Rangers paid for dropping him before he reached double figures. Pickings were not as plentiful in the final but his 10 overs cost only 28 runs and then made 23 before becoming victim of his new-found big-hitting prowess.

Keith Wainwright: The one player who could have given St. David's nightmares after posting 280 for eight. Did superb job in working his way to 90 before giving his wicket to Dale Fox after Michael Brangman had taken 17 from the previous five balls.

Wayne Richardson: Despite the size of Devonshire Rec., the left-arm slow bowler is an example of the benefit of having a good spinner. Four for 35 against a team that had little problem scoring 280 the day before was a fine performance.

Clay Smith: Upset the Benson & Hedges tournament monopoly with a persistent spell of two for 68 in 16.3 overs and then struck 94 not out, an innings that underlined the quality of his strokeplay.