New contracts for Tom Moody, Andrew Hall at New Road

Despite suffering a heavy defeat in the final of the Cheltenham and Gloucester Trophy at Lord's on Saturday, Worcestershire have acted quickly to secure the services of their director of cricket, Tom Moody, on an extended contract and sign South African all-rounder Andrew Hall as one of their overseas players for the 2004 season.

Moody has agreed to extend his contract with the club until the end of the 2005 season. His previous contract ran until the end of 2004 and this latest extension will see him complete five years in the post.

He said: "The club has made significant progress over the last three years but I want to see even more progress particularly if we gain promotion to the first division of the Frizzell County Championship. We have a talented group of players, some of whom are gaining international recognition, and I want to continue working with them. Add to this the talent we have in our academy and the future looks very bright."

That group of players has been enhanced by the signing of Hall, providing he is granted permission by the United Cricket Board of South Africa. Originally left out of the touring party for the Tests, he was drafted in and has excelled for his country. Even so, he asked for a special dispensation to rejoin Worcestershire for the C & G semi-final, where he played a crucial part in the win, and left the touring party to take his place in the line-up for the final.

Worcestershire chief executive, Mark Newton, said: "South Africa's international schedule next year is less crowded than this year and it is likely Andrew will be available for most of the season. We are delighted he has agreed terms for the season as he is clearly an exceptionally talented player."