THE hoodoo continues. We cannot win at Worcester.

Not since 1986 have we won a championship match there.

After losing the toss - and consequently quick wickets - Gloucestershire were always off the pace. Last week this column highlighted the ability and achievements of pace bowler Alan Richardson.

His performance (8-37 in the first innings, 4-69 in the second) showed how good he is. He was never mastered.

Perhaps the most effective bowler in county cricket, this 38-year-old is a real star. The Worcestershire physio keeps him on the field, and how they need him! The rest of their attack is friendly to say the least.

Batting against them is like facing Glenn McGrath at one end and Phil Carter at the other. Gloucestershire were below par, both with the bat and ball, senior bowlers Will Gidman and Ian Saxelby being very much missed.

There were two outstanding exceptions - Craig Miles and Gareth Roderick. Craig bowled 31 overs and took 6-99, as Worcestershire scored a mammoth 474.

In addition, he showed ability and application when batting at No.10 that highlighted the fragility of some of the upper order. Roderick, making his championship debut, scored an unbeaten 79. With better support this could have been a match-saving innings.

A record run scorer for Cheltenham last season, he deserves an extended run in the side.

The Worcester welcome exemplified all that is good in county cricket. Host was now retired bat maker Duncan Fearnley and in the interests of accuracy I must mention the lunch menu. Leek and potato soup, steak and kidney pie and a delicious summer fruit cheesecake. Then, of course, there were the cakes at teatime.

There are considerable benefits in being President. Driving home two things were on my mind. Firstly, how to play super bowler Richardson.

I thought of the advice my Dad gave me when I played against the mighty Messenger brothers, John and Mick, who turned out for Duntisbourne Abbots, Birdlip, then, having jumped a valley or two, Chalford). "Play straight, keep bat and pad close together, stay sideways on, play the balls you have to. Runs? Get them at the other end."

I should have posted these words in the Gloucestershire dressing room. Then I thought about changes to the county team. The bowling line-up will be decided by fitness, but a place must be found for Ian Cockbain.

He struck a vigorous 53 off 30 balls in the YB40 match against the Unicorns and looked very much in form, as did Will Gidman in scoring a match-winning century for Thornbury on Saturday.

With difficult matches against Lancashire and Yorkshire coming up, the championship side needs refreshing. Full marks, however, to the YB40 side. We are top of our group.

A final word about Worcester. A new pavilion is being built on the boundary's edge. Currently masked by plastic sheeting it looks like being an establishment that could be managed by Mistress Overdone from 'Measure for Measure'. Shakespearean scholars will know what I mean.

THERE is good news from Sheepscombe. They were able to put out a much stronger side for the county league game against Wickwar and could easily have won a close game.

Visiting the ground was a familiar voice - none other than BoB Hunt of Radio Gloucestershire. Bob had gone to see his son Billy keeping wicket. The voice of the online commentary which is provided on all Gloucestershire County Cricket, Bob works in six- hour stints.

Test match special commentators work for 20 minutes each! Joining Bob on the mic on several occasions this season I have found him to be as exuberant as ever, regaling his listeners to news of mighty matches such as North Nibley v Coaley. Tune in - you never know what you might hear.