da luck： Worcestershire’s hopes of achieving promotion were left hanging by athread after rain and a stubborn eighth-wicket stand frustrated themat New RoadSussex to191 for 7 at New Road
George Dobell at New Road14-Sep-2010
ScorecardWorcestershire’s hopes of achieving promotion were left hanging by athread after rain and a stubborn eighth-wicket stand frustrated themat New Road.Only 14 overs were possible on the second day of their championshipmatch with Sussex, during which time the visitors’ extended theirfirst innings by 34 runs without any further loss. Both Andrew Hoddand Will Beer drove pleasingly in taking their unbeaten partnership to77. Beer has already achieved his highest first-class score, whileHodd passed 50 for just the second time in the championship season.Realistically the hosts require a win from this match if they are togain promotion. They went into the game nine points behindsecond-placed Glamorgan and, though Worcestershire picked up anothercouple of points on the first day, the lack of play at Cardiff and NewRoad has done them few favours.If Worcestershire and Glamorgan finishlevel on points, it is Glamorgan who will be promoted. Not only havethey currently won more games, they also won both matches between thetwo sides.Worcestershire retain some hope, however. Sussex, who are alreadyassured of promotion as Division Two champions, have expressed somewillingness to ‘make a game of it’ over the last couple of days. Theyhave nothing to lose and will be prepared to gamble in pursuit ofanother victory.They are not at full strength, either. Missing Ed Joyce, MichaelYardy, Michael Thornely, Corey Collymore and Matt Prior, theirbatting, in particular, appears brittle. If the weather relents,Worcestershire may yet have a chance of snatching promotion.Meanwhile, off the pitch, Sussex confirmed the signing of Amjad Khanon a three-year deal. The 29-year-old fast bowler, who representedEngland in a Test only 18-months ago, was unable to agree terms withhis previous club, the cash-strapped Kent. Sussex have also submitteda 28-day approach for Worcestershire’s 26-year-old all-rounder GarethAndrew.Worcestershire also hope to announce plans for the next stage of theirground development imminently. It is understood that the club havereached agreement with various partners to ensure that the £10 millionhotel development will begin at the New Road end of the ground withinweeks. The club, who will not be borrowing any money to finance thescheme, hope that revenue generated from the development willsafeguard their financial future for years to come.On a less positive note, it is understood that contract talks betweenthe club and Moeen Ali, the 23-year-old England Lions all-rounder,have not gone well. Moeen is contracted until the end of 2011, butWorcestershire had hoped to secure his services on a longer-term deal.