CHIEF executive Matt Rawnsley has hailed the “incredible effort by everyone” to ensure cricket at Blackfinch New Road goes ahead as scheduled.

Three weeks ago Worcestershire’s headquarters were flooded and remained under water for about four days but the County were determined not to be beaten by the elements.

It was all hands to the pump as head groundsman Tim Packwood and his staff ensured the outfield and square were ready for tomorrow's Specsavers County Championship clash with Nottinghamshire.

Rawnsley said: “When I look out of my office window now it is hard to believe that only 18 days have elapsed since the last of the floodwaters subsided off the ground.

“The club is 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."

“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.

“I’ve only been here for a few weeks as CEO but already the spirit of the place has greatly impressed me.”