WORCESTERSHIRE finally had to admit defeat when the opening day of their County Championship Division Two match against Sussex at New Road was washed out today without a ball being bowled.

For frustrated County officials and players it was a bitterly disappointing outcome, particularly after the intense mopping-up operation which followed severe flooding.

Yesterday's non-stop rain, however, proved too much and umpires John Hampshire and David Shepherd had no hesitation in abandoning play for the day at 9.45am.

The downpour had left muddy patches of surface water on the ground adding to the problems facing head groundsman Roy McLaren and his staff.

New Road secretary Mike Vockins said: "Until Sunday there was no question that we wouldn't be able to start. The re-turfing was the last piece of the jigsaw with the intention of being ready for the first game.

"When the ground was flooded I did wonder if we would ever play again. But I said that we have been here for 101 years and the ground was flooded on at least 90 of them and we were always ready for the season.

"I was confident we were not going to miss out this time until the heavens opened on Sunday."

Worcestershire's repair work following the winter flooding has involved re-turfing and the use of a helicopter.

The re-turfing centred on an area of the outfield badly affected by silt while the down-draught from a hovering helicopter, piloted by County batsman Reuben Spiring, was called in to help.

Meanwhile, indoor cricket came to Sixways yesterday and made such an impression on Worcester Rugby Club coach Adrian Skeggs that he is switching sports!

The Australian, who re-united with compatriots Tom Moody and Andy Bichel during a training session with the County stars at Sixways' indoor complex, will play for Ombersley Cricket Club's thirds as an opening batsman/wicketkeeper.

He was delighted to pick up a few tips from New Road's best.

The rugby and cricket teams got together for some fun and drills designed to prepare Worcestershire for their match with Sussex and Worcester for their final game of the season at Birmingham & Solihull on Saturday.

Skeggs said: "We really enjoyed it. I think Tom and I will be spending quite a bit of time together this year going over our ideas and approaches to our sports.

"The two squads went through rugby and cricket drills and finished it off with a game of football."