Cricket: Green look to add to successful stint

The North End Lane club, who host Fordhouses (noon), finished runnersup in Division Three last year just 12 months after winning the Worcestershire League.

Although the level of success has taken them by surprise, Green, under captain Tim Williams, are relishing the challenge.

Director of cricket development Andy Wheeler said: “We are really looking forward to the season.

“Back-to-back promotion is always good for a club and it’s offering a new challenge on and off the field.

“Our goal, which was the same last year, is to stay in the division and consolidate. Last year was way above our expectations and getting promotion straight away was a massive bonus. If we can finish mid-table we would be pretty happy.”

New Zealand all-rounder Josh Rurawhe has signed as the club’s overseas players, replacing fellow Kiwi Matt McEwan who has penned a first-class contract with Canterbury in the Plunket Shield.

McEwan took 75 wickets last season but Green hope Rurawhe, a leftarm seamer who will also bat in the top order, can step up to the plate.

Also on board are Worcestershire academy all-rounder Liam Smith, a student at Malvern College, and his father Lee after the pair left Ombersley.

County under 17s seamer James Marsh has switched from Rushwick along with wicketkeeper Duncan Cooper, although he will predominantly play in the seconds as back-up to Adam Binks and Ashlea Brewer.

Green have just put in place a fiveyear development plan aimed at providing strong links between the youth and senior sides to ensure a steady flow of talent in the future.

􀁧 A rain-hit opening weekend in Worcestershire League Division One saw Worcester Nomads among the early pace-setters after thrashing Colwall by eight wickets.

Bromyard’s game against Coombs Wood was abandoned after only two overs due to the weather.

Malvern will hope for better after losing their first game in Division Three by 31 runs at home to Cookley.