As preparations continue at Visit Worcestershire New Road for the 2026 campaign, this week we take a look at progress of the Pears who have travelled overseas to play this winter.
Henry Cullen – Woodville CC (Adelaide)
Henry has enjoyed a busy start to his stint with Woodville CC, featuring across both red-ball and white-ball formats of cricket.
The youngster opened the batting in his first appearance, a T20 match against Southern District, making seven as his Woodville side fell short by 53 runs.
His run in the side continued last weekend in the One-Day competition as he took part in a comprehensive nine-wicket win over Northern Districts. Chasing 216, Woodville lost only one wicket and Henry was not required to bat in a comfortable run chase.
In Round 2 of the West End Men’s First Grade competition, Henry produced his most impressive red-ball performance to date.
Batting at number four, he struck a superb 99 from 129 balls, hitting 13 fours and a six before being agonisingly dismissed LBW one run short of a thoroughly deserved century. Woodville were eventually bowled out for 260 in reply to Port Adelaide’s 362.
Yesterday, Woodville suffered an eight-wicket defeat to East Torrens in the West End T20 competition, with Henry scoring nine in his most recent match.
Ben Gibbon – Sturt CC (Adelaide)
Ben this week made a welcome return to action after a delayed start to the season while building his way back to full fitness.
This week, Ben appeared for Sturt in the West End T20 Cup against Tea Tree Gully.
Opening the bowling, he produced an excellent spell, returning figures of 4-1-23-2, helping restrict his opponents to 152–6.
Despite his efforts, Sturt were dismissed for 90 in reply.
Ben will look to continue his good form in Sturt’s upcoming multi-format matches.
Gareth Roderick – Green Point CC (South Africa)
Gareth has been in outstanding form at the top of the order for Green Point up until this point in the WPCA Premier League, featuring in all eight matches.
Green Point sit second in the league, with six wins from their eight matches played, level on points with leaders Rondebosch.
During the early season exchanges, Gareth struck a glittering 108 from 113 balls against Rondebosch in a seven-wicket victory.
His bright form has continued, where as recently as two days ago the keeper-batter produced another match-defining century, notching 104 off 129 in a team total of 231, before Green Point bowled out opponents Bellville for 144.
Gareth’s consistent run-scoring has been pivotal to Green Point’s excellent early-season form, with the Worcestershire man’s next home fixture on the 16th December, as his side welcome Brackenfell.
Dan Lategan – Durbanville (South Africa)
Dan has also made encouraging contributions during the early stages of the South African season, despite limited opportunity.
Also competing in the WPCA Premier League, Durbanville currently sit fifth, with four wins from their opening seven league matches.
In a domestic T20 fixture against Worcestershire teammate Gareth Roderick’s Green Point, Dan fired a rapid half-century from just 37 balls, before chipping in with a wicket from his three over spell in the second innings as Durbanville sealed a 50-run win.
Since then, a minor foot injury has temporarily sidelined Dan. However, he is expected to return to action in the coming weeks and will be fully fit for the upcoming SA T20 competition.
A further update on the progress of all our players will be provided in the coming weeks.
