Gardner hits the ground running

Gardner mastered the batting track at the Gordon Jones Memorial Ground to score 137 not out as Dave Pearson’s men triumphed by 140 runs at rivals Worcester.

The 48-year-old’s century formed the bulk of Nomads’ 236-5 declared before the visitors skittled their opponents for just 95 in Worcestershire League Division Six.

Gardner’s efforts have won him the first Worcester News player-of-the-week award of the season and a £30 voucher for Fearnley Factory Shop.

Captain Pearson declared: “Paul’s played at a higher level but to score 137 not out when the next highest scorer on either team was 18 is some achievement.”

“It went very well and was a lovely way to start the season,” said Gardner, who has twice hit scores of 178 during his career.

“The track was quite slow and the ball wasn’t coming on to the bat well. It was one of those wickets where you had to force the issue so it was even more pleasing to get the runs.

“Once you had played yourself in, it became easier to bat on but it was quite tricky for the incoming batsmen all the way through the day.”

Gardner is now in his second stint with the club, punctuated by 26 years in the army, and is Nomads’ cricket committee chairman.

He said: “I have been playing for a long time but it’s a game I very much enjoy.”

Pearson was delighted with his team-mate’s display, which earned Gardner promotion to the seconds this weekend.

“Paul is class,” Pearson added. “He’s probably not a third XI player but we are finding we have got such strength in depth and there was a little bit of manoeuvring to accommodate people in other teams.”

The result ensured Nomads began their campaign with a maximum 24 points and top the table with Astwood Bank.

After losing the toss, Nomads were invited to bat and Gardner, alongside efforts from Chris Bland (10), 14-year-old Jamie Oliver (13) and Alex Claytor (18), propelled them forward.

Declaring on 236-5 gave them 51 overs to bowl Worcester out and Oliver Butterworth and Jack Watkins were on top, taking a wicket each.

Spinners Anton Madzarevic and Nic Lloyd took centre stage and made inroads.

From 42-2, Worcester collapsed to 74-7 and were eventually dismissed for 95 in 38 overs with Madzarevic finishing with 5-43 off 12 overs and Lloyd 3-13 off 11.