GENTLEMEN of Worcestershire have a new management team at the helm this season.

Nick Williams has succeeded Jon Raby as chairman, Nic Sproson becomes honorary secretary and Anton Madzarevic is the new honorary treasurer.

Fixture secretary Dave Pearson continues in office.

Williams said: “It is a great honour to be asked to lead this long-established club with its enviable reputation.

"In succeeding Jon I’m hoping to mirror his great commitment to the club and his passion for the Gents.

"Jon has been closely involved with the club for over 50 years and is a great ambassador for the Gents.

“Nic and Anton have taken over from Mark Woof and Peter Wheeler respectively, both of whom were also long-serving officers of the club for 16 years. That’s a tremendous record.”

The club marked the long service of Raby, Woof and Wheeler at their annual meeting by presenting an inscribed tankard to each and electing them as honorary life members.

Among the oldest nomadic clubs in the country, Gents still boast an attractive fixture list.

Traditional games continue against Gloucester Gypsies, Warwickshire Imps, Cryptics, Gentlemen of Shropshire, Malvern College, Royal Grammar School Worcester and Free Foresters.

More recently-established fixtures are against Hagley, Cheshire Gents and Herefordshire Over 50s XI.

It is hoped the regular match against MCC’s Cross Arrows team at Lord’s will return next season.

Williams added: “It’s tremendous playing for a club like the Gents and many of us feel it’s a real honour too.

"But as with nearly all cricket clubs we welcome new and younger members.

“There’s no doubt one of the great attractions of Gents’ cricket is playing on marvellous and delightful grounds like those at Malvern College, Hagley Hall and Eastnor and at away venues such as Shrewsbury School, Sandford St Martin and Bourton Vale.

“Some of these games are afternoon games while others are full-day games, many of them played on a declaration basis rather than on an overs basis.

"Many clubs like ours find that those who have played a lot of league cricket really do value our style as a welcome change from limited overs.

“We would be delighted to hear from local cricketers, particularly younger cricketers, who would like to play midweek cricket for us alongside playing for their own clubs."

Anyone interested can ring Williams on 01905 357925 or 07702 874975 or e-mail nick@sweetdreamsuk.com.