DIRECTOR of Cricket Tom Moody was delighted with the confident way Worcestershire launched their Frizzell County Championship Division Two campaign with a crushing 206-run win over Gloucestershire at New Road.

It was the first time since 1998 that the County have opened their Championship programme with a victory.

"The members are pleased with the chan-ges that have happened both on and off the field and I think the club is hopefully showing some positive signs in the right direction," said Moody after his side romped home shortly after lunch.

Gloucestershire, needing 361 to win, resumed on 15-1 but were without the services of batsman Tim Hancock who broke his hand while fielding on Sunday. They were finally removed for 154 with off-spinner Gareth Batty the County's most successful bowler with 3-33.

There were also wickets for pacemen Kabir Ali and Alamgir Sheriyar, who claimed two each, and Bichel who took a further victim to finish with a match return of 10-131.

Moody, who puts promotion to the first division as the County's top priority, said: "Gloucestershire are a good side and I suppose it just highlights how well the guys played to win so convincingly.

"They obviously had one top order player out of the second innings but I think our lads had their tail up and were always going to be hard to knock down.

"Andy Bichel really shone in the first innings with the ball but it was nice to see Ben Smith get off to a quality start at his new home. Graeme Hick backed that up in the second innings with a good knock and David Leatherdale chimed in with two good innings.

"I was pleased not only with bat and ball displays but we were also sharp in the field.

"The wicket was good to bowl on and I think the guys that managed to occupy the crease also enjoyed batting on it because you got good value for shots when the ball was coming on to the bat."

Moody was also pleased that the County had got off to a winning start, particularly as they have been slow starters in the past.

He said: "It was something we were very aware of and I think the pre-season weather helped us enormously because we managed to get some quality outdoor practice, whether in the nets or in match situations. We were primed ready for the start.

"There has been a lot of expectation here with a few new signings and people, not only members but particularly the players, were ready for a contest. It's pleasing that it was one that went our way."