WORCESTER Nomads cricket this week was once again blessed with fine although chilly weather, and how different this season has been compared with the last two.

The results were mixed with the Saturday first eleven going down in a close match with Netherton and the Saturday seconds being comprehensively defeated when they played their counterparts at Netherton. The 3rd X1 started the revival in a first rate match with the Old Elizabethans and then the Sunday 1sts had the best of a new fixture with Old Swinford St. Mary's.

The third XI took part in a model match when it played the Old Elizabethans 3rd X1 at Droitwich Road. After some consistent batting from Alex Isaacs (38), Chris Oakley (51), Russell Knight (25), Neil Claytor (37), Bill Jones (23) and Gary Sandbrook (23) the Nomads total of 220-6 was always going to be a difficult target for the OEs. However Bob Sanders with a fine array of pulls and square cutting reached 63 quickly and only 11 runs were required in Nigel Rees's last over. This proved too much for the OE number 10 and Nomads achieved a winning draw against the league champions. Russell Knight (3-47), Neil Claytor (3-59 and a fine run out thrown from the boundary) and Nigel Rees (1-17) were the best of the Nomads bowlers and some fine catches were held including a falling dive by Ed Davis and two off hard drives by the captain Nigel Rees.

Sunday was remarkable at Bransford because Neil Fletcher of Cutnall Green in scoring 118no out of 206 reached his sixth century of the season. Last year he achieved no fewer than nine 100s and he has a higher target in mind this campaign.