Club Captain Brett D’Oliveira praised a “real team victory” and the character of the side in bouncing back from a challenging first session to register an eight-wicket win over Derbyshire in the opening LV=Insurance County Championship match of the season at the Incora County Ground.
Matthew Waite and Jake Libby scored centuries, and Waite and Joe Leach both picked up five wickets in the game, but there were plenty of other meaningful contributions in all departments – batting, bowling, fielding and wicket-keeping.
The combined efforts enabled Worcestershire to win with nearly 24 overs to spare and collect 22 points.
D’Oliveira said: “Delighted with the result in the end. I thought we played really good cricket.
We weren’t at our best on day one with the ball, and the reasons for that are a number of things, like not getting the overs in pre-season due to the weather
“But the character we showed to come back and put ourselves in a position to win the game is credit to the team.
“You want to hit the ground running at the start of the season, and Derbyshire are a fantastic outfit and have got a great leader in Mickey Arthur and a tremendous squad of players.
“To come here and get a victory is extremely pleasing for us.”
D’Oliveira added: “I said in the dressing room afterwards that it was a real team victory, although individuals stood up at different times.
“Matthew Waite scored a hundred, Jake Libby scored a hundred, and guys in the bowling unit chipped in throughout.
“Joe Leach I thought was tremendous throughout the whole game with the ball. He leads the attack and he is a leader on the field.
“Gareth Roderick taking that stumping on the fourth morning was absolutely crucial, and Adam Hose making a diving catch at third slip.
“All those little things add up and put us in a position to win the game.”
Libby scored his eighth first class century for Worcestershire – as well as 42 in the first innings – to get his campaign off to a flying start.
D’Oliveira said: “I’ve said to him it’s a great way to start the season, getting runs early on as an opener in conditions early on in a season which can be very tough.
“It was nice for him to get over the line, although I was surprised to see him hit a six with the bat he uses!
“Really pleased for Jake, and I know he’ll go on and get some more.
“Any chase is tough work, whether small or large, and it’s just about staying nice and calm and playing to our strengths.
“We managed to do that throughout.”
