WORCESTERSHIRE cricketers will have been hoping that they received a wooden spoon for the last time this year during a staff cookery challenge.

Eight players put their culinary skills to the test during the challenge at New Road.

They joined coaches and other staff in a fun day organised by PCA personal development manager Lynsey Williams and Scott Fuszard, Worcestershire’s head chef.

Ms Williams said: "It’s been great to see the players in the kitchen learning how to prepare food and develop some new skills.

"Both teams produced some tasty food which was enjoyed by all the staff.

"This experience forms part of the PCA Personal Development Programme at the club which this off-season has seen the squad receive education in the areas of gambling and sleep management, as well as taking part in a wheelchair basketball session through our links with Worcester University.

"It made sense to combine this cooking skills session with a larger staff get together ahead of the start of the season.

"Adding in the competitive element helped focus the day and playing and non-playing staff thoroughly enjoyed tasting, giving feedback and casting their votes.

"We followed the tasting with a fun team building exercise that challenged mixed groups to build a vehicle that could carry an object the furthest across the table using wind power only.

"This took everyone out of their comfort zones, encouraged discussion and creativity and was lots of fun too."

The players split into teams for a cook-off which was judged by staff members.

Red Tomatoes, comprising Olly Westbury, George Rhodes, Tom Kohler-Cadmore and George Scrimshaw, were voted the winners for their courses of roasted red pepper and tomato soup, coq au vin with vegetable side dishes and Moroccan vegetable tagine.