RICHARD Henry admits he looks more like a bodybuilder than a cricketer — but he’s adding strength to Worcester Nomads’ bid for a top-three spot in Worcestershire League Division One.

The 31-year-old, enjoying his third season with the Bransford side, hit 53 runs and snapped up 7-49 in their emphatic 152-run home derby success over Colwall.

Henry, a hard-hitting left-handed batsman and left-arm swing bowler, has not looked back since joining Nomads from Cinderford St John’s.

He topped the 2014 Division One batting averages with 505 runs at 63.13.

“I don’t really look like a cricketer because I do bodybuilding and spend time training at Legends Gym in Worcester,” said Henry.

“I am an uncomplicated batsman who simply sees the ball and hits it. I enjoy the batting more than bowling and my aim is to get my runs in the fastest possible time.”

Henry shared a match-winning 126-run second-wicket stand with Zimbabwean Innocent Kaia (138) in their 277-8 from 50 overs. Kaia struck 15 fours and two sixes in 121 balls but was dropped twice, while Henry blasted six fours and a six in 82 balls.

He said: “Getting a decent total on a green wicket was crucial, particularly after we had been inserted. The pressure we built up had an impact when Colwall batted.”

Despite 36 from Colwall skipper Max Backhouse on a warm day, they were never in contention as Henry’s devastating 16.5-over spell helped skittle them out for 152.

“There was movement in the air which helped me to achieve my best bowling figures for Nomads,” he said.

“The win wasn’t just down to me — it was an all-round team effort. Our wicketkeeper Tom Mills is the best I have played with — he hasn’t conceded any byes yet in the first five matches of the season.”

Henry started playing in his home town of Newent before switching to higher-graded Cinderford and then moving to Worcester for his job as an engineer. He joined Nomads in 2013 for their Birmingham League campaign.

“I think I averaged 50 with the bat and took 40-odd wickets,” he added. “I enjoyed it in the Birmingham League and perhaps I should have done it a few years earlier.”

Colwall’s Dan Newby (3-65) and Jon Gooch took early wickets before Nomads’ devastating partnership.

Fifth-from-bottom Colwall host Pedmore tomorrow and second-placed Nomads visit Belbroughton (both 1pm).