For his match-winning exploits with the ball against Somerset Cricket Club during the opening weekend of the domestic cricket season and a patient knock of 56 in a losing cause against St.George's, Keith Wainwright has been chosen as the first ever player to win the new BTC Mobility Player of the Week award.

The Southampton Rangers stalwart stroked a painstaking half-century during his team's season-opening 24-run loss to St.George's at Lord's.

Wainwright occupied the crease for two hours and 42 minutes in a defiant effort to anchor his team's innings. The veteran then returned the next day to spark a Somerset lower order batting collapse en route to grabbing five wickets for 20 runs from only 6.4 overs of spin at Southampton Oval.

Wainwright, a former BCB and Western Counties executive, also chipped in with a useful 22 to guide Rangers to their first win of the season.

The veteran player scored 16 runs and grabbed one wicket against PHC last Saturday and then featured in an unbeaten third wicket partnership of 55 with Stevie Lightbourne that saw Southampton romp to an inspiring eight-wicket triumph over defending league champions Western Stars at Southampton Oval on Sunday.

For added measure, Wainwright grabbed two wickets for 11 runs.

"I'm very proud and honoured to be the first player to receive the BTC Player of the Week award," said the veteran player yesterday.

"My fitness level has improved tremendously which allowed me to concentrate for long periods while batting.

"In the bowling department I understand my role and since we have so many bowlers to choose from I do my best to seize the opportunity whenever the skipper throws me the ball.

"I look forward to being consistent and helping my team to win a major trophy this season."