DIRECTOR of Cricket Tom Moody is challenging Worcester Royals to go one better than they achieved last season in the National League Division One which opens tomorrow with a match against Gloucestershire Gladiators at Bristol.

The County finished runners-up last term and Moody believes his squad have the right credentials to replace Glamorgan Dragons as champions.

He said: "We played one-day cricket well last year and I'd like to think that we'll continue to improve more.

"Gloucestershire have been the benchmark in one-day cricket over the last few years and it's a good gauge to see where you are early on.

"We have had some good matches against Gloucestershire over the years and it will be nice to know exactly where we are at and what we need to do to improve.

"Whether we win or lose we will still have to continue to have to improve. But Gloucestershire will be a good test early on.

"They are a good side and have now signed up as an overseas player one of the best one-day players that South Africa have ever produced in batsman Jonty Rhodes.

"So we are all looking forward to playing against Jonty and Gloucestershire."

County skipper Ben Smith and his team-mates will also be meeting up again with former New Road opening batsman Philip Weston, who moved to last season's division two champions Gloucestershire in pre-season.

Moody said: "I don't think that adds any spice, but it will be good to see Wesso again.

"I notice he's played in their Championship side, but whether he fronts up in their one-day set-up I don't know yet.

"But it will be good to come up against him if he does play."

Worcestershire are preparing to recall their 'big guns' following the three-day friendly against Oxford UCCE which ended in a rain-hit draw in The Parks yesterday.

Moody, however, will not be naming the side until after the players have had a net session at New Road today.