Hard work the key as Pears hunt a magnificent seven - The Worcester Observer

Hard work the key as Pears hunt a magnificent seven

Worcester Editorial 1st Jun, 2017   0

WORCESTERSHIRE’S players have been urged to ‘keep putting in the hard graft’ as they go in search of a magnificent seven Championship wins in a row.

The Pears face Sussex at Hove on Friday knowing victory would see the county record the feat for just the second time in their history.

Joe Leach’s men chalked up their fourth Championship win of 2017 against Northamptonshire at Wantage Road to add to the two victories at the conclusion of last season.

It surpassed the five wins on the trot which have occured on four occasions – in August 1964, September 1987 to May 1988, August to September 1993 and August to September 2003.




Victory by the seaside this weekend will see the Pears equal a feat achieved by the 1961 side, while the record of Championship triumphs is eight wins from August 1965 to May 1966.

Sunday’s victory was the first time the Pears have put together four straight wins at the start of a campaign since the title win in 1964.


Director of cricket Steve Rhodes has urged his side to celebrate their success but ensure the hard work to reach the current level continues.

“We are very proud of what we are doing. One bad day in the season so far at Lancashire is an amazing effort,” he said.

“But we’ve got to make sure we keep doing those basics well and getting stuck in with practice, making sure we respect the opposition, and doing the hard yards to win games.

“If we can carry on doing that, we’ve got a chance of it continuing,” he added.

Worcestershire were made to work hard for their success after Northants amassed 343 in their second innings despite losing Richard Levi who was felled by a Josh Tongue bouncer.

The South African was taken to hospital but was later discharged suffering with concussion and is recovering at home.

Daryl Mitchell’s unbeaten 78, to follow his first innings 161, ensured there were no alarms as victory was secured in the extra eight overs on day three.

“It was really hard work and they pushed us in that second innings because you didn’t want to chase too many runs on that wicket,” Rhodes said.

“I want to pay tribute to Daryl Mitchell, 240 runs in the match, and he spent a lot of time out there in difficult conditions.

“He thoroughly deserves all the praise he can get because it was a fine match in both innings for Daryl, seeing us home but also that big score in the first innings.

“The bowlers shared the wickets around and it was a real team effort with the ball. Nathan Lyon put in quite a stint but all the bowlers did well at times.

“They all contributed with wickets and Josh Tongue, with his pace, went aggressive which is a tactic we have been working on and he showed he has got some good pace,” he added.

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