WORCESTERSHIRE paceman Kabir Ali has been named young cricketer of the year for the second time in a row. The 22-year-old was presented with the award by the Professional Cricketers' Association at their annual dinner at the Hilton Hotel in London last
WORCESTERSHIRE Royals will be without paceman Nantie Hayward and spinner Gareth Batty for their last National League Division One match of the season against Essex Eagles at New Road tomorrow (12 noon). Hayward has finger and side injuries while Batty
WORCESTERSHIRE made two early breakthroughs after Northamptonshire won the toss and decided to bat in the crucial Frizzell County Championship match at Northampton today. Opener Tim Roberts was caught by Graeme Hick off paceman Nantie Hayward for six,
COUSINS Kabir Ali and Kadeer Ali have signed new contracts with Worcestershire. Kabir has put pen to paper on a two- year contract for 2004 and 2005 while Kadeer has signed for 2004. New Road director of cricket Tom Moody said today: "Both Kabir and Kadeer
WORCESTERSHIRE will clinch the Frizzell County Championship Division Two title if they avoid defeat in their last match of the season at rivals Northamptonshire which opens tomorrow. The County go into the crunch showdown 13 and three-quarter points ahead
A RECOVERING teenage heroin addict stole a can of beer from a Worcester supermarket - despite having the money to pay for it, magistrates heard. Nineteen-year-old Craig Parkin appeared before Worcester Magistrates Court yesterday, where he admitted stealing
WORCESTERSHIRE are today facing an intriguing battle to step up their Frizzell County Championship division two title bid against promotion-hopefuls Yorkshire at New Road. Skipper Ben Smith's unbeaten troops resumed today on 208-6 -- a tantalising lead
Oswestry 3, Pershore 5 DESPITE terrible travelling conditions, Pershore survived Saturday's 250-mile round trip for their penultimate match in the Coaching Sol-utions League. The game started at a frenetic pace and James Rayner swept the ball in after
A BUSINESSMAN grabbed his partner by the throat and threatened her with a knife in a vicious attack, magistrates heard. The assault at the couple's home left Jean Kealey, of Teme Crescent, Droitwich, distressed, Worcester magistrates heard. James Sparkes
PROMOTED Worcestershire soon lost Graeme Hick when they opened their Frizzell County Championship Division Two match against Yorkshire at New Road today. The former England batsman was snapped up at first slip by Richard Dawson off Matthew Hoggard for
UMPIRES are urgently needed as the new Stainweld League season prepares to get underway on Sunday, April 25. They are required for Sunday, Tuesday and Wednesday games and anyone interested can contact Tony Wrench on 01562 631142. Applicants will need
Bidford Ladies 3, FISSC 1 JAN Taylor produced a fine early stop to deny the visitors an early goal. Bidford then took control and a move involving Rachel Paddock and Faye Merchant ended with Wendy Cooper taking advantage of the rebound off the goalkeeper's
A VICAR whose teenage daughter was killed in the Lockerbie disaster has welcomed the Prime Minister's decision to visit Colonel Gadaffi. Rev John Mosey, of Cradley, said it could only be a good thing that the Libyan leader - whose Government has formally
WORCESTERSHIRE off-spinner Gar-eth Batty has described his call-up into England's tour parties to travel to Bangladesh and Sri Lanka this winter as 'a dream come true'. The 25-year-old is in both the Test and one-day squads for the tour which starts on
WARWICKSHIRE Bears captain Michael Powell is telling his players to guarantee their survival in the National League division one by beating relegated Worcestershire Royals at Edgbaston today (4.10pm). He said: "Never mind about Worcester's situation.
A LEADING leukaemia charity has places to offer eager fund-raisers for this year's New York Marathon. The Anthony Nolan Trust has 30 places to offer people committed to raising money to save the lives of people with leukaemia or related diseases. More
SKIPPER Ben Smith has pledged that Worcestershire Royals will go into tomorrow's floodlit National League match against Warwickshire Bears at Edgbaston with a 'very positive' attitude despite his side being relegated from division one. He said: "There's
IT'S win or bust for Worcestershire Royals when they take on Yorkshire Phoenix in the National League Division One at New Road tomorrow (12 noon). Defeat will condemn the Royals to relegation with two games still to play, while even victory may not be
I'VE never been back in the classroom before the last Test match has started nor with the County having 15 days of cricket still to play. I'd never been to Lord's before either to watch a final, but I will go again despite the anti-climax. Lord's is a
WORCESTERSHIRE are celebrating promotion to the First Division of the Frizzell County Championship but will have to wait to defeat lowly Hampshire at the Rose Bowl. The County learned of their elevation after Durham's defeat by Northamptonshire ensured
KABIR Ali and Gareth Batty, not required by England, proved their value to Worcestershire when they took five Hampshire wickets at the Rose Bowl yesterday. Batty finished with figures of 3-77 while pace bowler Kabir arrived at lunch to take two more.
CELEBRITIES from the world of stage, screen and television are coming to Worcestershire in July together with test cricketers and sports personalities. Television host Chris Tarrant, former Welsh rugby international John Taylor and former world badminton
DERBYSHIRE'S visit to New Road this week highlights the perennial issue of pitches. Their own surface has proved unreliable -- Worcestershire bowled them out twice earlier this season to win by an innings. Gloucestershire dismissed them for 89 in the
WORCESTERSHIRE'S reserve wicketkeeper James Pipe hit a career best 104 not out as the leaders recovered from an indifferent start to overwhelm Hampshire in the Frizzell County Championship Division Two match at the Rose Bowl. Pipe was drafted in for injured
GRASS court tennis and cricketers' testimonials - two peculiarities of an English sporting summer both of which endure for very different reasons. Wimbledon with its wearing grass is loved for its variety, finesse and natural drama. Testimonials reward
IT must feel like the holiday is over and term has started again. The Twenty20 Cup has been resolved to a final four and the serious business of the Championship has resumed. Worcestershire started this next phase eight points clear of Somerset at the
THREE fitness fanatics from Droitwich hope to raise £3,000 for a children's charity in the London Marathon. Juliet Farmer, Rachael Bridge and Lisa Hope will run 26.2 miles on Sunday, April 18, in aid of KIDS, a charity dedicated to helping children with
A BEWDLEY woman died from acute alcohol poisoning after drinking amounts far exceeding what her body could cope with. Coroner Victor Round told an inquest at Stourport how 39-year-old Margaret Morrissey, of High Street, had a history of alcohol-related
REVOLUTIONARY new equipment is being used by police in north Worcestershire in the fight against drug abusers. Two new portable drug analysers have been funded by a grant from the Crime and Disorder Partnerships and can be moved around Wyre Forest, Bromsgrove
SKIPPER Ben Smith admitted that it 'hurt' to watch Gloucestershire celebrate their seven- wicket win over his well beaten Worcestershire side in Saturday's Cheltenham & Gloucester Trophy final at Lord's. He accepted the County had produced their worst
THIS week is topped and tailed by matches with Leicestershire, starting with tomorrow's vital C&G quarter-final. One of only two counties not to have been relegated from either of the first divisions since their inception, this year is proving a struggle
FORMER New Road batman Philip Weston admits that it meant 'a hell of a lot' to play a leading role in Gloucestershire's Cheltenham & Gloucester Trophy final win over Worcestershire at Lord's on Saturday. The tall left-hander, in his first season with
THE three home wins last week certainly put a healthier perspective on Worcestershire's year so far. With the sun starting to shine, it feels as if the season is really getting under way. A feature of the infant season is Nantie Hayward's ability to take
WORCESTERSHIRE produced their worst one-day performance of the season when their Cheltenham & Gloucester Trophy dream was shattered by a crushing seven-wicket defeat against Gloucestershire at Lord's on Saturday. Limited-over kings Gloucestershire
THE Benson and Hedges Cup is no more; high summer will bring us its replacement, the Twenty20 Cup, while soggy Spring brings us the fourth round of the remaining and premier knockout competition, the Cheltenham & Gloucester Trophy. It used to be said
RESIDENTS are being warned not to be tricked by an enticing mail scam currently widespread in the county. Recipients, mostly women, receive a congratulatory letter informing them they are a winner of such prizes as a BMW, Mini Cooper or a digital camera
WORCESTERSHIRE expect paceman Nantie Hayward to overcome a virus in time to play in tomorrow's Cheltenham & Gloucester Trophy final against Gloucestershire at Lord's. The bug ruled him out of last night's floodlit National League Division One defeat
A MOTORIST who had his car damaged in a recent attack in a Droitwich car park has slammed the police for letting the youths off. Andrew Sparks had parked his car in the LIDO car park, where a group of youths damaged a number of vehicles. The group jumped
MOTORISTS in Droitwich are set to experience a new approach to reducing speed on the road. The new speed awareness sign in Ombersley Way will automatically flash up the speed a driver is travelling and urges them to slow down to the legal level. A sign
PASSERS-by rushed to the aid of 60 children who were trapped on a bus following a collision with a lorry near Kidderminster. Twenty-two of the children were treated in hospital but later released. The collision between the double-decker bus taking the
WORCESTERSHIRE start the week looking forward to the opening, third round of the Cheltenham & Gloucester Trophy and a home tie in more ways than one. That the professionals should take on the amateurs of the county is ironic and maybe not ideal; the
A BUDDING rugby star from a Worcester high school is celebrating after being selected to join the England development squad. Fourteen-year-old Sam Bastock, from Blessed Edward Oldcorne RC High School, was the only player in his age group in the Midlands
SOLDIERS based in Kidderminster have lent a helping hand to Iraqi doctors on their days off in order to help halt the country's alarming measles epidemic. Private Ken Laga and Lieutenant Martin Watson, who both live in Kidderminster, were two members
WORCESTERSHIRE Royals' director of cricket Tom Moody has sent out a 'we must win' message to his troops ahead of tomorrow's crucial floodlit National League Division One clash against Essex Eagles at Colchester (4.10pm). The County are in serious danger
PLANS for a new hospital and health centre in Pershore have suffered another setback due to a cash crisis. Sir Michael Spicer, MP for West Worcestershire, said the Government was effectively establishing a new way of capital funding which put the health
WORCESTERSHIRE today began their countdown to Saturday's Cheltenham & Gloucester Trophy final against Gloucestershire at Lord's. The County have a hectic run-up to the big day which will gather momentum when they stage a 'face the Press' session at
TOM Moody is playing down the Cheltenham & Gloucester Trophy final 'dress rehearsal' tag being attached to Worcestershire Royals' National League match with Gloucestershire Gladiators at New Road tomorrow (1pm). The County's director of cricket wants
THE majority of staff at Worcestershire hospitals are witnessing potentially harmful mistakes, according to a new survey. A total of 53 per cent of staff at the trust which runs Kidderminster Hospital made the admission as part of a national consultation
WORCESTERSHIRE'S Kabir Ali marked his England Test debut by claiming two wickets against South Africa at Headingley. His victims were Neil McKenzie and Jacques Rudolph as he ended the day with figures of 18-3-60-2. Worcestershire's South African all-rounder
A KIDDERMINSTER accounts manager approaching retirement age has lost a compensation fight for constructive dismissal after complaining she had to respond to alarms in the early hours at the Stourport advertising firm where she worked. The call-outs were
WORCESTERSHIRE seamer Kabir Ali was today handed his England Test debut against South Africa at Headingley. Kabir was named in a starting XI without any specialist spinner, with the selectors electing to overlook Ashley Giles for Yorkshire's traditionally
Somerset made a good start after winning the toss and deciding to bat in the Frizzell County Championship Division Two match against table-topping Worcestershire at New Road today. Matt Wood and Neil Edwards launched their innings against the pace threat
KABIR Ali's call-up for England Test duty has paved the way for Mark Harrity to return to Frizzell County Championship division two action for table-topping Worcestershire when they open their match with lowly Somerset at New Road tomorrow. It will be
WORCESTERSHIRE Royals resume their fight against National League division one relegation tomorrow when they take on bottom-of-the-table Yorkshire Phoenix at Scarborough (1pm). They will go into the crucial match just four points better off than the struggling
KABIR Ali fired another hint to the England selectors on an eventful opening day to Worcestershire's Frizzell County Championship Division Two clash with Yorkshire at Scarborough. The County paceman bagged eight for 53 -- beating his own record for the
KABIR Ali struck three early blows as leaders Worcestershire made a great start to their Frizzell County Championship division two clash with Yorkshire at Scarborough today. The paceman trapped Matthew Wood (4) lbw in the first over and dismissed Anthony
WHEN former district nurse Ruth Butler stumbled across a collection of First World War poems almost seven years ago she decided to keep copies of them - but did not know why.Steve Yapp and Ruth Butler are looking forward to presenting a draft copy of
WORCESTERSHIRE have an allocation of 4,500 tickets for the Cheltenham & Gloucester Trophy final against Gloucestershire at Lord's on Saturday, August 30. County members have received a four-day priority booking period which began yesterday. Each adult
GARETH Batty admitted to having a 'fantastic feeling' when told he was one of three new caps drafted into the 13-man England squad for the third Test against South Africa which opens at Trent Bridge on Thursday. The Worcestershire off-spinner was given
WORCESTERSHIRE, locked in battle at New Road today in the semi-final of the Cheltenham & Gloucester Trophy against Lancashire, turn their attention back to National League Division One action on Monday when they take on Kent Spitfires in a floodit
VICE-captain Steve Rhodes believes Graeme Hick could hold the key to Worcestershire's fortunes in tomorrow's Cheltenham & Gloucester Trophy semi-final clash with Lancashire at New Road. Hick has only recently returned to action after a lengthy lay-off
WORCESTERSHIRE have received a major boost with South Africa today agreeing to release key all-rounder Andrew Hall for Saturday's C&G Trophy semi-final with Lancashire at New Road. The Proteas have called Hall into their Test squad for the remainder
GARETH Batty and David Leatherdale helped table-topping Worcestershire launch a dramatic fightback against Glamorgan on the opening day of the rain-affected Frizzell County Championship division two match at New Road. The determined Bradford-born duo
WORCESTERSHIRE Royals will be unchanged for their floodlit National League Division One clash against title-chasing Glamorgan Dragons at New Road tomorrow (4.10pm). The County are sticking to the winning formula which knocked Surrey Lions off the top
CONTRASTING half-centuries from captain Ben Smith and all-rounder Andrew Hall gave leaders Worcestershire control of their clash with Gloucestershire. Smith's patient 92 from 236 deliveries and South African Hall's 73 from 117 balls took Worcestershire
NANTIE Hayward and Matt Mason took three wickets each to give Division Two leaders Worcestershire the upper hand on the first day of the Cheltenham Festival match with Gloucestershire. Hayward claimed 3-77 and Mason 3-48 as Gloucestershire were bowled
COOKLEY'S rundown Parish Hall and car park is to be sold off after church leaders admitted defeat in their battle to come up with a rescue package. The 1930s hall, owned by Cookley Parish Church Council, closed down two years ago, to the dismay of village
GLOUCESTERSHIRE made a steady start after winning the toss and electing to bat at the start of the Frizzell County Championhsip Division Two clash with Worcestershire at Cheltenham today. Opening batsmen Craig Spearman and former Worcestershire player
KABIR Ali was Worcestershire's hero against Derbyshire at New Road yesterday after being given his father's blessing to miss a family funeral. The England one-day international hit a crucial 68 and took three wickets to help his table-topping side to
WORCESTERSHIRE eased back to the top of the Frizzell County Championship division two table as wickets tumbled on the opening day of their match against bottom-placed Derbyshire at New Road. They leap-frogged former lea-ders Northants after picking up
WORCESTERSHIRE slumped deeper into relegation trouble when they lost by 76 runs to Leicestershire Foxes in the National League Division One at Oakham School. The County attack took a pounding as Virender Sehwag, Trevor Ward and Darren Maddy all hit sparking
TOM Moody is stepping up his bid to get Andrew Hall released for tomorrow's National League clash against Leicestershire (1pm). Worcestershire's director of cricket is desperate to have the South African all-rounder back in his side for the vital Division
KADEER Ali hit a century as Worcestershire completed their Second XI Trophy matches with a high-scoring 130-run defeat against Gloucestershire at Ombersley. Gloucestershire rattled up an impressive 371-5 in their 50 overs led by Chris Taylor (146), Alistair
GARDEN CLUB: The February meeting was addressed by Mr Glyn Jones, the head gardener, who spoke about the history and restoration of Hidcote Garden. Mr Jones had a series of the slides both from Hidcote and Menton, which were created and designed by Lawrence
COBALT UNIT: The next sale is on Saturday, April 17, in the village hall. Stalls will include new and nearly new clothes, as-new shoes, bric-a-brac, books, toys, bedding, curtains, plants, shrubs, produce, cakes, many new items, tombola, raffle and much
GRAEME Hick is poised to return for Worcestershire after more than a month out of action with a broken bone in his hand. The former England batsman is on course to be available for the National League Division One match with Leicestershire at Oakham on
NATIONAL Trust volunteers have been working hard to get an improved Hidcote Manor Garden ready for the summer season. Over the winter months the garden's Plant House has been rebuilt and a new route into the garden opened up. The improvements, representing
PARISH COUNCIL: The council's monthly meeting was held in the village hall last Wednesday and had all councillors present with the exception of coun Joyce White. A welcome was given to coun Tom Bacon, back for the first time after his long illness. About
WORCESTERHIRE'S players are having a well deserved day off today after a career-best bowling performance by Matt Mason enabled them to clinch a 31-run victory over Durham at New Road. He gabbed 6-68 to make sure the County continue to fly high at the
WORCESTERSHIRE'S wicket-tumbling Frizzell County Championship division two match with Durham was developing into an intriguing climax today following a 'not guilty' verdict on the state of the New Road pitch. ECB pitch liaison officer John James visited
WORCESTERSHIRE have awarded Tom Moody a testimonial year in 2004. He has been with the County since 1991 as a player and in his current role as director of cricket. The Australian World Cup winner said: "I'm thrilled. I am honoured the club has awarded
WORCESTERSHIRE'S Nantie Hayward and Stephen Moore both became injury victims during yesterday's eventful opening day against Durham at New Road. Pace star Hayward limped off with a hamstring injury while batsman Moore was struck on the head by a bouncer
UMPIRES Barry Dudleston and George Sharp have reported Worcestershire's New Road pitch to Lord's after 18 wickets tumbled on the opening day of their Frizzell County Championship Division Two match against Durham. The County made 218 all out and then
ARTS AND CRAFTS SOCIETY: The society held its annual meeting in the Townsend Hall. The meeting was well attended with about 90 per cent of members present. Chairman Penny Law spoke of the success of the previous year's programme both of speakers and visits
WORCESTERSHIRE'S Kadeer Ali and Shaftab Khalid are included on a shortlist of 15 players who will be considered for the 2003/4 National Academy. Batsman Kadeer has produced several impressive scores this season, including a maiden half century in his
MICHAEL Powell was the star of the third day of the Frizzell County Championship Division Two match at Cardiff between Glamorgan and Worcestershire. With support mainly from Jonathan Hughes (41) and David Hemp (63), Powell -- who scored a century in Glamorgan's
AN unbeaten 116 by Glamorgan's Michael Powell held up Worcestershire's progress on the rain-affected opening day of their Frizell County Championship second division match at Cardiff. The 26-year-old reached his century off 148 balls, including 16 fours
Worcestershire report a staggering 580 per cent increase in attendance by non-members at their three Twenty20 Cup matches compared to the two Benson & Hedges zonal matches last year. Average crowds of 4,046 attended the three Twenty20 games - an increase
WORCESTERSHIRE have boosted their depleted ranks by snapping up all-rounder Justin Kemp and wicketkeeper Steve Adshead. Kemp's capture is subject to clearance from the United Cricket Board of South Africa. The County have moved swiftly to bolster their
TWENTY20 Cup cricket proved a big hit at New Road again last night -- but not the loud music! A crowd of 4,566 watched Worcestershire Royals lock horns with Warwickshire Bears and loved every minute of the thrills and spills provided by the frantic action
WORCESTERSHIRE Royals face a Twenty20 Cup clash against Warwickshire Bears at New Road this evening (5.35pm) with their playing ranks still crippled by injuries and international calls. They will not finalise their side until fitness checks have been
STEVE Adshead hammered a dazzling century as Worcestershire pulled off a thrilling one-wicket win in yesterday's Second Eleven Trophy clash against Somerset at North Perrott. The County clinched victory with one ball to spare after Adshead had plundered
A FOUR-wicket haul by David Leatherdale failed to save depleted Worcestershire Royals from a two wicket defeat against Lei-cestershire Foxes in yesterday's National League division one clash at New Road. The County, handicapped by a lengthy injury list
W0RCESTERSHIRE Royals will be without all-rounder Andrew Hall for tomorrow's National League division one match against Leicestershire Foxes at New Road (1pm). After today's Twenty20 Cup clash with Gloucestershire at Bristol, he will be unavailable for
NEWCOMER David Taylor is included in Worcestershire's squad for today's Twenty20 Cup match against Northamptonshire at New Road (5.30pm). The 28-year-old all-rounder has signed a short-term contract to cover the period of the competition. Oxford-born
DIRECTOR of cricket Tom Moody says he is 'thrilled' by the C&G Trophy semi-final draw which has paired Worcestershire with Lancashire at New Road. The showdown will be staged on Saturday, August 9 starting at 10.15 am. The home tie is the County's
WORCESTERSHIRE may consider finding a short-term replacement for Andrew Hall after being hit by a major injury crisis. Director of cricket Tom Moody admits the County are 'looking at options' now that their playing resources are stretched to the limit
A FINE all-round performance from Andrew Hall put Worcestershire in a commanding position in the Frizzell County Championship Division Two match with leaders Somerset at Bath. Hall hit six sixes and 11 fours in his 104 as Worcestershire moved their overnight
MARK Harrity looks set to replace Matt Mason in Worcestershire's line-up tomorrow as they go head-to-head with table topping Somerset. The Australian quickie, who has had a mixed start to his New Road career since his summer move, is added to the attack
WORCESTERSHIRE have decided not to seek a replacement for their South African all-rounder Andrew Hall when he is away on duty with his country for the triangular one-day series with England and Zimbabwe. The County will be severely hit for the best part
WORCESTERSHIRE duo Vikram Solanki and Kabir Ali are today celebrating their call-up into England's one-day squad for the three-match series against Pakistan followed by the triangular tournament involving South Africa and Zimbabwe. For Solanki it is a
DIRECTOR of cricket Tom Moody is confident Worcestershire can overcome Leicestershire in the quarter-final of the Cheltenham & Gloucester Trophy at Grace Road. The County booked their passage yesterday when they beat holders Yorkshire by 67 runs at
WORCESTERSHIRE soon lost Stephen Peters after they were put into bat by holders Yorkshire in today's Cheltenham & Gloucester Trophy Fourth round clash at sunny New Road. The opening batsman was dismissed by England fast bowler Darren Gough for five
HOCKEY: Stourport ladies firsts were victims of Saturday's high winds. Their Worcestershire League Division One game with Harborne seconds was called off just before the hit-back. And the thirds' game with Bromsgrove had to be abandoned at 0-0 after one
HOCKEY: West Midlands League Premier Division leaders Wolverhampton proved too strong for Kidderminster in a 5-0 victory. Despite all in-form Kidderminster's efforts, the Black Country side found their scoring touch in the second half. With sweeper Chris
PHILIP Weston marked his return to New Road by frustrating Worcestershire's bowlers in their weather-ravaged Frizzell County Championship Division Two match against table-topping Gloucestershire. The former County opener made an undefeated 30 on another
MOTORSPORT: Another two days of exciting hill racing lie ahead at Great Witley's Walsgrove Farm. The historic and unique vintage and veteran motorcycle hill climb, Red Marley 2004, is set for next month. Last year proved successful in its third time at
WORCESTERSHIRE made a steady start after being put into bat by table-topping Gloucestershire in the Frizzell County Championship Division Two match at New Road today. Stephen Peters and Anurag Singh launched the Counties innings against the pace threat
TRAMPOLINING: A Dunley schoolgirl was jumping for joy along with her three team-mates after securing an impressive second place nationally. Francesca Esposito's team were narrowly beaten to the British Trampoline Association's National Schools U-15s title
ZIMBABWE captain Heath Streak has admitted the tourists would have preferred to face stronger opponents, including Wor-cestershire, in their build-up to next week's first Test. Although he expressed sympathy for counties' concerns over wear and tear on
MOTORSPORT: Nathan Freke had mixed fortunes last week, missing out on one deal but securing another. The Kidderminster man's hopes of racing a TVR Tuscan in the Formula 3/British GT package, which he hoped would be a stepping stone in his career, collapsed
MOTORSPORT: Kidderminster schoolboy Richard Evans lost just one mark on the 40-section course at Hanley Swan on Saturday in the Stourbridge club's trial. Fellow Bewdley Motorcycle Club rider Keith Taylor won the intermediate class, eight marks clear of
DURHAM'S return to Stockton for the first time for four years brought frustration as the first day of the Championship match against Worcestershire was re-stricted to 44 overs. It did not help the case for outgrounds as an hour's rain in mid-afternoon
Worcestershire made a cautious start after winning the toss and electing to bat first in their latest Frizzell County Championship Division Two clash with Durham, which started at Stockton today. Openers Stephen Peters and Anurag Singh began against the
SKIPPER Ben Smith is urging his Worcestershire troops to start moving up the Frizzell County Championship Division Two table by beating basement club Durham at Stockton. The match gets underway tomorrow with the County, currently second from bottom, bidding
SNOOKER: Big breaks by Lee Page and Matt Emms kept Snooks A in second position in the Kidderminster Wednesday League. But Franche A are still top by 10 points after beating third-placed Brintons Old A who are only three points adrift of Snooks A. Results
ENGLAND hopeful Vikram Solanki again let his bat do the talking when he top scored for Worcestershire in their four-day friendly against Zimbabwe at New Road. The on-form batsman hit 74 to help the County make 262 off 60.5 overs and by the close last
WORCESTERSHIRE made a promising start after winning the toss and deciding to bat in their four-day friendly against Zimbabwe which opened at New Road today. Stephen Peters and Anurag Singh opened the County's innings against the pace attack of Andy Blignaut
ATHLETICS: Matt Vaux-Harvey followed up his victory in the Treat multi-terrain eight-mile event with a top 15-place in his first half-marathon for four years. The Kidderminster and Stourport Athletic Club member shrugged off the hip injury which has plagued
COMPARISONS of teams from differing eras are often bandied about in the hope of some sort of resolution. It is an entertaining diversion but ultimately redundant when assessing who was the champion of champions. Professional sport rarely sits still and
GOLF: Harry Taylor and Pete Burke won the Men's Sunday Winter League at Habberley with 60 nett, just one ahead of Keith Amer and Mel Hemmings. Other results, Saturday Winter League: Ross and Stuart Hawken 60, Keith Cosnett and Dave McDermott 64. Mixed
WORCESTERSHIRE'S hopes of clawing their way back against Northamptonshire looked in danger of being washed out by the wet weather today. No action was possible before lunch and prospects for any play today looked bleak. Only 32 overs were possible yesterday
CYCLING: Stourport man Chris Morris was seventh at the Elizabethan CC hilly 21-mile time trial on a course around Bridgnorth and Much Wenlock. The Wyre Forest Cycle Racing Club member completed Sunday's event in 55 minutes 33 seconds, only missing fifth
VIKRAM Solanki satisfied his hunger for first-class runs by top scoring for Worcestershire on the opening day of the Frizzell County Championship division two match against Northamptonshire at New Road. His valuable innings of 79 helped lift Worcestershire
A TRADITIONAL British red telephone kiosk has found a new home across the English Channel in Stourport's twin town. Stourport's mayor, councillor Stephen Clee, unveiled the restored kiosk as it was installed in Villeneuve-le-Roi. "The idea came about
THE Mayor of Stourport has said he had no option but to switch the annual mayor's ball to an out-of-town venue, as his decision came under fire. Councillor Stephen Clee described the row which had blown up as "petty". He said he was left with no choice
WORCESTERSHIRE'S batsmen made brisk progress on a rain-delayed third day of their match against Oxford UCCE in The Parks yesterday. Resuming on 256-3 in their first innings in reply to the students' 231, after a late start the County had moved on to 272
CHESS: John Wrench is the new Kidderminster club champion, getting the better of Maurice Bissell in the final. Wrench survived a strong attack from Bissell who sacrificed a knight for two pawns and missed a drawing opportunity under time pressure. Wolverhampton
OXFORD UCCE won the toss and decided to bat when they opened their three-day friendly against Worcestershire in The Parks today. Openers Ed Cowan and Joe Sayers made a cautious start to their innings against the County's pace attack of Matt Mason and
TON-UP Ben Smith helped Worcestershire prove that the County Championship is alive and well when a big crowd watched them make a healthy start to their second division match against Hampshire at New Road. Smith marked his first game as captain by cracking
WORCESTERSHIRE go into the new season with interest in membership at record levels. Membership revenue is 14 per cent up on the same time last year with the number of members closing in on the 4,000 mark. County chief executive Mark Newton said: "This
WASIM Akram is hoping to make it a bad Friday for Worcestershire on his return to New Road. Hampshire, and new signing Akram, take on the County in the opening Division Two clash in the Frizzell County Championship, starting on Good Friday. And the veteran
WORCESTERSHIRE fielded a full-strength team and got in some more valuable practice when they played Herefordshire at Colwall yesterday in a benefit match for all-rounder David Leatherdale. The County racked up 282-5 in their 45 overs with skipper Ben
WORCESTERSHIRE'S bowlers met strong resistance on the second day of the two-day friendly match against Sussex at Hove. Sussex scored 341-5 off their 79 overs before play was called off and the match declared a draw. This was in reply to Worcestershire's
WORCESTERSHIRE'S cricketers were returning from their successful tour of South Africa today in readiness to step up their pre-season 'warm-up' programme later this week. They will be back in action on Wednesday and Thursday in one-day matches against
WORCESTERSHIRE'S final scheduled cricket match on tour in South Africa was used as a practice match involving the whole squad and several local academy players in Duivelskloof. The County's batsmen faced their own bowlers with England Under 19 Kadeer
Stamps started with Torquay United despite being brought up in Birmingham and his obvious talent earned him a £10,000 move to Colchester United in 1997. The left-footer moved to Harriers on a free in September 1999 after playing in the Second Division
WORCESTERSHIRE say they have already taken steps to help them cope with the England and Wales Cricket Board's decision to cut £4million from their 2003 budget. ECB chief executive Tim Lamb hinted the move was a result of repercussions from England's boycott
VIKRAM Solanki was Worcestershire's leading scorer when they won the second match of their pre-season tour of Northern Transvaal in South Africa by 38 runs. Playing against the Northern Titans in Duivelskloof, Solanki hit 78 after skipper Ben Smith had
Bennett was a then club record buy of £30,000 from rivals Bromsgrove Rovers in January 1999 and proved a goal-scoring menace to Conference opponents in the title-winning season. The ex-England semi-professional international signed a two-year deal at
Parrish has enjoyed three promotions before from Division Three, twice with Northampton Town and once with Chesterfield. The competitive left-footed midfielder with an eye for goal turned down a one-year deal with Chesterfield to sign for two years with
MARK Harrity, the South Australian left-arm quick bowler, has no regrets about giving-up first class cricket in his native Adelaide to play for Worcestershire. Together with Nantie Hayward, the former South African Test bowler, Harrity, 28, will ensure
GRAEME Hick joins Worcestershire Royals' National League Division One relegation fight tomorrow when they take on table-topping Surrey Lions at Guildford. Star batsman Hick has missed the County's last three league matches because of a broken bone in
GARETH Batty stole the limelight as Worcestershire Royals completed their crowd-pulling Twenty20 Cup campaign with a 37-run win over Somerset Sabres at New Road last night. The County spinner plundered an impressive 87 and took 2-37 to help end his team's
BEN Smith has not given up hope of Worcestershire Royals reaching the semi-finals of the Twenty20 Cup despite last night's 20-run defeat against rivals Warwickshire Bears at packed New Road. The County skipper admits, however, that his side face a tough
Once capped by England U-20s and also in the national youth sides, the Birmingham-born midfielder has had a turbulent 2003-04 season. Murray signed for Harriers on an 18-month contract in January 2004 following a brief loan spell of three games earlier
GLOUCESTERSHIRE Gladiators announced themselves as major contenders for the Twenty20 Cup with a four-wicket victory over Worcestershire Roayls at Bristol on Saturday. The home side bowled and fielded superbly after winning the toss, restricting the County
FORMER Worcestershire batsman George Dews has died at the age of 81. Born in Ossett, Yorkshire, Dews was one of a dying breed of sportsmen who played both cricket and football professionally. During a 15-year career at New Road he scored nearly 17,000
One of Harriers' Conference-winning heroes made a surprise return back to Aggborough in February 2004 on a month's loan. Released by Ian Britton to Chester in the summer, Jan Molby decided to bring back the forward who had served him well in the past.
WORCESTERSHIRE paceman Kabir Ali and spinner Gareth Batty are included in a 14-man squad for the ECB National Academy tour to Malaysia and Sri Lanka. The Academy will play a single one-day match against Malaysia in Kuala Lumpur before undertaking a four-and-a-half
WORCESTERSHIRE County Cricket Club are believed to be preparing to unveil South African Test fast bowler Nantie Hayward as their second overseas player for next season. The County, however, were today remaining tight-lipped about speculation linking the
WORCESTERSHIRE County Cricket Club today revealed a pre-tax loss of £41,000 last season. It is the third year in a row the County have announced a deficit which is down from a record loss of £114,000 in 2001. The latest financial situation is highlighted
CHADDESLEY Corbett were beaten 2-0 in a hastily re-arranged West Midlands League Division One South fixture at Bustleholme. Despite having most of the possession, Chaddesley could not turn their advantage into goals and it was the home side's Dean Jones
BEWDLEY Town's scheduled West Midlands League Division One cup clash was postponed at the weekend. They are due to entertain Hinton in Division One South on Saturday and took on Malvern Town Reserves in the Worcestershire Junior Cup final last night.
KIZZ Wassell scored a goal on her debut for Kidderminster Harriers Ladies in a 3-3 friendly draw with Evesham United. Other up-and-coming Harriers players given a game in Sunday's match were Kailee Turner and Hayley Watkiss. Emma Bowdler opened the scoring
A KEEN football coach is hoping to head to the United States in the summer to share some of his skills. Sporty Kidderminster College student Dean Sharpe has been helping out with Kidderminster Harriers' Football in the Community scheme, led by Nick Griffiths
Evesham Utd 0, Gloucester City 1 (abandoned after 18 mins) EIGHTEEN minutes of farcical football was brought to a welcome end when the referee brought an early halt to last Saturday's Western Division action, writes Mervyn Collins. Gale-force winds buffeted
Badsey Rgrs U-14 1, Southside 0 ONE of their best displays of the season helped Rangers retain their unbeaten Cheltenham League first division record. Sunday's top of the table clash saw Badsey out for revenge after an earlier defeat and they made three
RISING Sun lit up the Kidderminster and District League Saturday Junior Cup by booking a final place with a superb win. The Stourport side, mid-table in Division One, defeated high-fliers George and Dragon Colts 3-0 in the semis to set up a clash with
Kings Sutton 0, Evesham Utd U-13 7 UNITED travelled south of Banbury for Sunday's Supplementary Cup clash that saw them move to the top of their group. The match started in atrocious conditions and both sides took a while to settle. After 20 minutes Evesham
Littleton 3, Old Hill 0 LITTLETON strengthened third place in Division One of the Mid-land Combination with Saturday's comfortable victory over their fourth-placed visitors. Indeed with second-placed Pilk-ington losing again, Littleton are now just six
Kidderminster Ladies 3, Evesham Utd Ladies 3 UNITED travelled to West Midlands Regional League Premier Division side Har-riers on Sunday for a friendly fixture. With the home side fielding seven regular first teamers, the Robins should be pleased with
EVESHAM Sunday League duo Ham-pton WMC and Upton Snodsbury will contest County Cup finals on successive weekends next month. The latter are first in action when they take on Inter Sports in the Sunday Junior Cup final at Wor-cester City's St George's
AN up-and-coming team set to join the Kidderminster and District Sunday League Division Six next season are looking for eager players. Anyone interested can call Stuart Giles on 07969 556864.
RED Horse set up an all-Evesham final with the Bear following Sunday's semi-final win over Ambassador in the Birdseye Sports Evesham Sunday League's Tewkesbury Sports Knockout Cup. The teams were level at the interval with Ambassador scoring through Crawford
THERE was a hat-trick for either side when Burlish Bulldogs U-8s beat Wyre Forest Panthers 5-3 in the Stourport and District Youth League. Jordan Beer was the three-goal hero for Bulldogs with Dan Bayliss adding the other two, while Thomas Male bagged
THERE were shocks in store for Stratford Alliance Cutler Division Two championship hopefuls in the Alun Rees Trophy last Saturday. Cubbington slumped 2-1 at struggling Blockley Sports for whom Sam Stanley and Ben Brotherton netted, while Littleton were
FERNDALE Youth take on Worcester City in the Worcestershire U-16s Cup final on Sunday. Stourport Swifts' Walshes Meadow is the venue and kick-off is 2.30pm.
RESULTS, Poole Hall: Max Galazewski 4-12, Colin Reed 3-4, Kevin Billingham 3. The club's next contest is on Sunday, April 4, at Townsend Fisheries with a 7.30am draw.
WOMEN are being targeted by a scam letter which entices them to call a premium rate phoneline to hear if they have won a prize. Worcestershire County Council trading standards officers said they have been swamped with complaints from women throughout
NICE Guys Finish Last moved off the bottom of the Kidderminster Six-a-side League with their first win of the season, 2-1 over Hi-tea not Athletic. Other results: Dreamers 8, Running Horse 4; Harriers Utd 7, Manor Boys 2; Stourport Wdrs 7, Bobby Dazzlers
MOTORISTS in the Vale have been warned by police that they will clamp down on drivers and passengers not wearing seatbelts. Evesham's police inspector Steve Brooker warned officers would be focussing on the issue while out on patrol after figures released
STOURPORT teenager Warren Jennings won the second contest of the season on the Curtis Pool with carp to 4lb on sweetcorn and maggot hook bait. Result: Jennings 24-0, Mark Johnson 12-14, Alan O'Brien 11-7, Dave Lewis, Alan Saunders 9-8, Mark Lancett 9-
I AM a pensioner and use the local bus service every day and I am writing in complete and utter frustration. I cannot understand how the service is planned and operated. Let me give a few examples. Last year, all buses on the number 3 route, Areley Kings
STRIKERS and goalkeepers will be the theme for Harriers' Football in the Community Scheme's Easter holiday courses. Boys and girls aged from five to 14 are welcome but the younger ones can attend mini-kickers half-day courses. Kidderminster's St John's
SIGNS which flash up vehicles' speeds as they approach are due to be erected in Harvington and Defford. Worcestershire County Council is due to put up vehicle-activated signs on the B4088 in Harvington on Wednesday and the A4104 in Defford on Tuesday,
Kings Sutton 0, Evesham Utd U-13 7 UNITED travelled south of Banbury for Sunday's Supplementary Cup clash that saw them move to the top of their group. The match started in atrocious conditions and both sides took a while to settle. After 20 minutes Evesham
THE Vale's Meals on Wheels service has been boosted by the opening of a new kitchen in Evesham. The facility on the Briar Close Industrial Estate is the first of four kitchens being set up across Worcestershire. Last week's opening marked a five-year
Leckhampton A 4, Evesham Utd U-11 1 IN CONDITIONS more suited to kite flying, Evesham battled against the wind. They held strong for 20 minutes only to concede two goals before half-time. An uphill task became harder when the hosts added a third and a
WYCHAVON is reminding householders in the district that there is more to recycling than kerbside collections. The household waste site at Hill and Moor offer recycling facilities for paper cardboard, glass, cans, soil, rubble, green waste, rags, clothing
Evesham Utd Robins U-10 3, Blockley 0 ROBINS are through to the next round of the Plate competition after a good performance against spirited opponents. In a game played at a fast pace, play was end-to-end but it was United who finally took the lead midway
FREE blood pressure checks will be offered at Pershore Town Hall on Saturday to help reduce the risk of strokes. Pershore and Bredon Hill Rotary Clubs, together with The Stroke Association, have organised the event, which will take place between 10am
THE proverbial game of two halves saw Cleobury Mortimer seconds clinch a 22-19 victory over Clee Hill in windy conditions. Assisted by the elements in the first half, Cleobury established a 17-point lead with tries from Mark Little (two) and Nick Griffiths
A SCHOOLBOY'S dream of playing alongside Premiership footballers is being realised sooner than he expected. Gareth Dee, aged nine, is to train with world-class players including Gareth Southgate and Ryan Giggs at Bolton Wanderers' Reebok Stadium on April
COMMUNITY-minded Vale villagers are being urged to enter this year's Worcestershire 2004 village of the year competition. Residents taking up the challenge could find themselves competing for prizes up to £10,500. Worcestershire's winning village will
THE landlord of the Fleece at Bretforton, which was recently devastated by fire, has welcomed plans to restore and improve the historic inn. The National Trust, which owns the 14th Century pub, has approved plans that could see the inn opening its doors
JOHN Brain will today pen a new two-year Sixways contract after Worcester snubbed Dean Richards. Worcester's director of rugby will pledge his future to the club along with coach Andy Keast after chairman Cecil Duckworth refused two approaches by Richards
WORCESTERSHIRE director of cricket Tom Moody is confident that England one-day batsman Vikram Solanki can finally achieve the consistency in 2004 that has been lacking in his game. Solanki is regarded as one of the country's brightest batting talents
FORMER Bromsgrove Rovers manager George Rooney has blamed increased commitments outside of football for his decision to step down as the club's boss. Rooney, and his assistant Doug Griffiths, resigned after 10 months in charge at the Victoria Ground club
MEMBERS of Worcester's Perdiswell Park Golf Club completed the club's Winter League Programme without mishap and with excellent scores despite the adverse conditions. After the 11 weekly rounds, having gained three wins and put together six other rounds
JUSTIN Dawkins got his season off to a successful start with third place in the opening round of the Daly Systems Star of the Midlands FF1600 championship at Silverstone. The Stockton-on-Teme driver recovered from a clash with the reigning champion, Peter
LUCTONIANS Rugby Club have reached the final of the North Midlands Cup without playing a match in the competition after Saturday's scheduled semi-final visitors Bromsgrove pulled out. Midlands Two West title chasers Bromsgrove forfeited the tie after
100 Years Ago March 26 1904 Market gardening prospects are fairly rosy at present. Green stuff has been selling well, brussels sprouts, for instance, fetching 6s 6d a pot of 40lbs. Savoys and borecole have also sold well. Cabbage will be in by next week
DRAMA groups from across the county are getting ready to compete for a host of trophies at Evesham's Arts Centre next week. The Worcestershire round of the All-England Drama Festival is to be staged at the Arts Centre next Friday, April 2 and on Saturday
The Spring Show will be held on Saturday, March 27 in Astley village hall, doors opening to the public at 3pm. Classes include daffodils/narcissus/tulips/hyacinths and alpine or rock plants, and any other spring flowers; flowering shrubs; a flowering
The meeting on Wednesday will feature a talk on "Watermills and Forges around Kidderminster" by Richard Warner. The meeting, at St George's Church annexe, Radford Avenue, Kidderminster, will start at 7.30pm. There is a nominal charge for visitors, who
Jade Lewis entertained at Kidderminster Library on March 12 in the first of the Beryl Chempin Series, the new name for the Young Musicians series, which ran under that name for 29 years. The audience heard music by Beethoven, Rachmaninov, Brahms, JS Bach
A Guider from Willersey preparing for a voluntary health project in Uganda is hosting a concert in the village to raise funds for her trip. Alex Fairclough, of Badsey Road, who helps run the Brownies in Chipping Campden, needs to raise £2,000 to travel
On March 1 Brenda Barratt presented president Eve Owen with a new silver brooch which will be given to each new president on their appointment from now on. An outing to Birmingham Botanical Gardens has been organised for August 2. Barry Fletcher gave
Elizabeth Baker, from Bridgnorth, was the guest demonstrator with "Just one of those things". Her first arrangement was of the Andromeda Fountain at Witley Court, in green and white, and this was followed by a modern arrangement using driftwood and cerise
The group meets every other month at Hartlebury, in the saloon in the Bishop's Palace, next door to the county museum. Members have free entrance to the museum, and family membership includes activities for children. Non-members are welcome at meetings
THE final concert of the 55th season of the Evesham and District Music Club takes place at the Arts centre, Evesham. When maintaining the usual high standard of performance, William Berger, an extremely talented baritone, will give a concert of songs
COX'S Yard in Stratford will host a Robbie Williams tribute show on Saturday followed by Lindesfarne on their final tour on Monday. Tickets for the Life Thru A Lens show, dedicated to the music of Robbie Williams, cost £6 and the Lindesfarne concert costs
On Saturday, April 2 a dance will be held at the Gilt Edge Club, Kidderminster, from 8pm. There will be all kinds of dancing, including ballroom, rock'n'roll and disco, with live music by J Harrison. This is an open evening, so non-members will be most
CHARLTON Church Chamber Concerts will be launching its most ambitious concert in its five-year existence on Palm Sunday, April 4, when a chamber orchestra and choir present St John Passion in the village church. Rehearsals with the Chamber Choir of St
MUSIC fans who appreciate the best of blues, classic rock and R'nB are in for a treat when top live ban Blues at Ten appear at Huntingdon Hall on Saturday at 8pm. Boogie, R'nB and classic rock hits from stars like Jools Holland, Gary Moore, Stevie Ray
MEMBERS of CPRE Warwickshire were alarmed when the Government published its Green Paper on planning two years ago, describing it as no less than a thinly veiled come on to developers. Many of the outrageous proposals have been shelved, said Nicholas Butler
A WOMAN who died after a head-on car crash in Bewdley had been rowing with her husband moments before. Coroner Victor Round told an inquest into the death of 73-year-old Betty Wardle how she had been having an argument with her husband, retired dentist
Badsey Society: The re-scheduled House Talk by Elizabeth Howard takes place tomorrow at St. James's Church in Badsey. Mrs Howard, from the Worcestershire Record Office had to cancel this event last year due to illness. The talk and slide show will include
CHELTENHAM races provided the major talking point at Prince Henry's Cricket Centre last week when the solitary WCB Indoor League fixture scheduled was late starting. Ashton and Dumbleton's players were caught up in Festival traffic, while a trip to the
THE official opening of the new Basil D'Oliveira Stand at New Road will take place at 11-30am on Tuesday, May 4 prior to the National League match against Nottinghamshire Outlaws. Basil and all his family will be at the ceremony to be performed by another
WORCESTERSHIRE director of cricket Tom Moody is confident that England one-day batsman Vikram Solanki can finally achieve the consistency in 2004 that has been lacking in his game. Solanki is regarded as one of the country's brightest batting talents
WORCESTERSHIRE County Cricket Club are mourning the death of legendary fast bowler Jack Flavell. The 74-year-old, a key member of the County side during the 1950s and 1960s, died suddenly at his home at Barmouth in Wales yesterday. Between 1949 and 1967
ANDY Bichel is a rare breed -- tough, uncompromising and reliable -- he is a player who is more valuable to his team mates than mere statistics, someone who you would choose to bat or bowl for your life. Little wonder that Tom Moody is tickled pink at
WORCESTERSHIRE County Cricket Club all-rounder David Leatherdale raised £119,234 during his 2003 benefit year. The bumper figure was announced by New Road chief executive Mark Newton at last night's annual meeting of members, held at the King's School
COUNTY bosses including Worcestershire chief executive Mark Newton have rejected pressure from Zimbabwe and put their faith in the England and Wales Cricket Board to make the right decision about the national team's controversial winter tour. Zimbabwe
WORCESTERSHIRE is one of the 18 counties that Zimbabwe Cricket Union chairman Peter Chingoka has written to as he tries to raise the stakes in the battle over England's tour to the African nation later this year. The England and Wales Cricket Board are
WORCESTERSHIRE rookie Shaftab Khalid continued his remarkable rise to cricketing stardom today when he jetted off from Heathrow to tour Malaysia and India with the England 'A' squad. Less than 12 months ago the talented 21 year-old off-spinner was an
MEMBERS of the public are being invited to express their views on health care standards during a public consultation meeting on Monday. John Rostill, chief executive of Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust, is hosting the event, in the Lecture Theatre
INTERVIEWS were taking place with staff at Kidderminster Hospital this week as part of a probe into the deaths of two babies at the site. The interviews are part of an independent inquiry by the West Midlands South Strategic Health Authority into the
WORCESTERSHIRE spinner Gareth Batty has retained his place in the England cricket squad for the forthcoming Test tour to the West Indies. Chairman of selectors David Graveney was due to reveal the 16-man party yesterday lunchtime and put an end to the
SURVIVAL expert Gareth Batty believes all the pressure is on Sri Lanka for the final Test of the three-match series which begins later this week. Worcestershire's Batty, who feared the worst when swept out to sea during a surfing session in the Indian
WORCESTERSHIRE County Cricket Club have swooped to sign former England Under 19 star Nadeem Malik. The nippy seamer has signed a two-year deal at New Road after deciding his future lay away from Nottinghamshire. Malik almost arrived at Worcestershire
WORCESTERSHIRE are closing in on the capture of former England U19 seam bowler Nadeem Malik. The 21-year-old has had talks with the County after being released by Nottinghamshire at his own request. Director of Cricket Tom Moody said today: "We have been
WORCESTERSHIRE have been sent a report which details a major shake-up in the structure of club and county cricket. New Road chairman John Elliott is among the sport's top brass targeted for a copy of the report entitled 'Making English Cricket Great'.
WORCESTERSHIRE County Cric-ket Club's new stand is to be named after one of their greatest players -- Basil D'Oliveira. County chairman John Elliott said : "The club is honoured that Basil has agreed to give his name to our new stand. He is probably one
"CONSIDERABLE and significant" progress has been made by hospital bosses in putting in place a recovery plan for beleaguered health services. Of 34 targets handed to management at Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust - which runs Kidderminster Hospital
WORCESTERSHIRE County Cricket Club members will have to pay more to watch their New Road favourites in action next season. Full adult membership is going up from £99 to £125 with other categories also due for an increase. County chairman John Elliott
MENTAL health bosses are not learning from their mistakes and are ignoring the concerns of "ground level" staff, a damning report has found. The organisation which runs mental health services in Worcestershire - including a block at Kidderminster Hospital
WORCESTERSHIRE paceman Chris Liptrot has been forced to quit professional cricket because of a persistent back problem. The 23-year-old's performances have been limited over the last two years due to the injury. New Road chief executive Mark Newton said
ENGLAND'S cricketers today fly to Chittagong considering their slow bowling options for the second Test having been quietly impressed with the standard of opposition provided by Bangladesh. The tourists completed a seven-wicket victory to claim a 1-0
WORCESTERSHIRE batsman Vik-ram Solanki says he 'feels in good shape' as he prepares to join the England party for their forthcoming one-day internationals against Bangla-desh and Sri Lanka. He jets out next Tuesday and has been tuning up at the indoor
WORCESTERSHIRE County Cricket Supporters Association is to continue sponsorship of sending promising players to an academy in Australia for winter coaching. "This winter we have agreed to sponsor batsman Stephen Moore at a cost of £5,000," chairman Ken
WORCESTERSHIRE off-spinner Gareth Batty was handed his England Test debut against Bangladesh in Dhaka today. But Bangladesh had faced only four overs after winning the toss and deciding to bat and had reached one without loss when the storms broke over
Pre-season friendlies Sat July 19 Bromyard (a) 7-1 Ball 3, Robinson, Giddings, A Wright, Wood. Wed July 23 Studley (h) 1-3 Ball Tues July 29 Westfields (h) 1-1 Wood Sat Aug 2 Bilston (a) 6-1 Ball 4, Sayer, Wood Tues Aug 5 Stourbridge (h) 4-1 Robinson
STEPHEN Moore and Shaftab Khalid, who both made their first-team debuts for Worcestershire County Cricket Club last season, have agreed two-year contracts. Batsman Moore made his County Championship bow against Glamorgan at Cardiff and also impressed
WORCESTERSHIRE off-spinner Gareth Batty today spelt out his determination to make a major impact for England in their forthcoming tour to Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. The 25-year-old jets out next week after being called up to both the Test and one-day squads
WORCESTERSHIRE have been drawn away to Herefordshire in the second round of next season's Cheltenham & Glou-cester Trophy. The match will be play-ed on May 5. The County reached the final this year when they lost to Gloucestershire who will begin
KABIR Ali scooped two more trophies to add to his growing collection at Worcestershire's annual awards dinner at New Road last night. The 22-year-old paceman received the Don Kenyon award for the outstanding individual performance of the season and the
WORCESTERSHIRE paceman Matt Mason has rejected an offer to be part of Ireland's 2007 World Cup squad. Australian-born Mason has just completed a successful first full season at New Road, taking 53 first-class wickets and finishing seventh in the national
DIRECTOR of cricket Tom Moody has promised that one of relegated Worcestershire Royals' main priorities next season will be to regain first division status in the National League. The County signed off their bitterly disappointing campaign in the competition
WORCESTERSHIRE Royals will be without paceman Nantie Hayward and spinner Gareth Batty for their last National League Division One match of the season against Essex Eagles at New Road tomorrow (12 noon). Hayward has finger and side injuries while Batty
WORCESTERSHIRE Director of Cricket Tom Moody has defended his side's controversial declaration that handed them the Frizzell County Championship Division Two title. County skipper Ben Smith declared their first innings at Northampton yesterday on 172
A splendid century by Anurag Singh failed to save Worcestershire from slipping to a 23-run defeat in their final Second XI Championship match of the season against Lancashire at Old Trafford. Singh hit 179 before the County were all out for 333 in pursuit
Worcestershire have today clinched the Frizzell County Championship Division Two title. Needing to reach 200 to earn the bonus point they required at Northampton, the County opted to declare their first innings on 172 for eight after losing a couple of
WORCESTERSHIRE will clinch the Frizzell County Championship Division Two title if they avoid defeat in their last match of the season at rivals Northamptonshire which opens tomorrow. The County go into the crunch showdown 13 and three-quarter points ahead
ROYAL Mail has captured the natural beauty of Northern Ireland on its latest set of stamps being launched on the eve of St Patrick's Day. The stamps of Northern Ireland - which has strong links with the Midlands - went on sale on March 16 and features
WORCESTERSHIRE are today facing an intriguing battle to step up their Frizzell County Championship division two title bid against promotion-hopefuls Yorkshire at New Road. Skipper Ben Smith's unbeaten troops resumed today on 208-6 -- a tantalising lead
FAMOUS names from the world of television and film, together with sporting stars will be at The NEC on April 17 and 18 for Memorabilia and Sporting Memorabilia which, this year, is celebrating 10 years at The NEC in Birmingham. Memorabilia is the largest
WARWICKSHIRE Bears captain Michael Powell is telling his players to guarantee their survival in the National League division one by beating relegated Worcestershire Royals at Edgbaston today (4.10pm). He said: "Never mind about Worcester's situation.
