new worcestershire ceo matt rawnsley has hailed the “incredible effort by everyone” to ensure cricket at New Road goes ahead as scheduled with friday’s specsavers county championship clash with nottinghamshire.
it is only three weeks ago today that the county’s headquarters were flooded and remained under water for about four days.
but from day one the county were once again determined not to be beaten by the elements.
the chairman’s lunch was moved from the mcminns development chestnut marquee to the graeme hick pavilion at short notice and the annual media day went ahead on schedule on the few yards of grass free of water.
since then it has been all hands to the pump – primarily, of course, from head groundsman tim packwood and his staff in ensuring the outfield and square are ready for tomorrow.
but everyone else connected to the club has play their part including office staff who spent a morning cleaning seats and sweeping up.
rawnsley said: “when i look out of my office window now, the ground looks a picture and it is hard to believe that only 18 days have elapsed since the last of the floodwaters subsided off the ground.
“of course, the club is now so accustomed to dealing with the challenges that a flood provides so everyone knows exactly what is required to overcome such an obstacle.
“but i have to say that the response has been above and beyond the call of duty to ensure everything is in place as near as possible for friday.
“the groundstaff have been terrific with their work even when bits of equipment such as the blotter have not fully functioned.
“but everyone has chipped in from office staff to kitchen staff to make sure we are as ready as we can be for friday.
“it has all been about ensuring members, supporters, sponsors etc will have the kind of service the club is renowned for when the gates open on friday.
“i’ve only been here for a few weeks as ceo but already the spirit of the place has greatly impressed me.”
