MATTHEW Hoggard was the toast of Yorkshire after routing New Zealand today with career-best figures of seven for 63 in Christchurch.

Hoggard's performance not only helped dismiss the Kiwis for 147 but also further established the 25-year-old Yorkshire pace bowler as one of England's finest prospects.

Yorkshire County Cricket Club officials today expressed delight at his success, but none of them was as proud as his mum and dad, John and Margaret, who live in Pudsey, where Matthew grew up.

"I watched the action from the spare bedroom but I have to admit that I dropped off to sleep for a while after Matthew had grabbed the first five wickets," said Hoggard senior.

"I was thrilled to bits for him and so was his mum when she heard the news this morning. To watch your son play for England is wonderful in itself but to watch him take seven wickets has thrilled me to bits.

"Matthew always has been a confident player and this pitch suited his style. In Pakistan and then India earlier this winter the wickets were not particularly helpful to him but now he has found something to his liking and he constantly beat the bat."

Former Yorkshire coach Doug Padgett, who was in charge at Headingley when Hoggard began his Yorkshire career, said he was delighted with his performance.

"I used to watch Matthew playing for Pudsey Congs and knew then that he was a good prospect," said Padgett.

"As soon as he came into the side with Yorkshire Seconds I felt that he would become a top class bowler. He makes the ball leave the right-handers, he is hostile and strong and he is a willing lad.

"His success does not surprise me and I am sure he will continue to make a name for himself at the highest level."

Hoggard now lives in Baildon, near Bradford.

Updated: 14:16 Thursday, March 14, 2002