Andrew fires his maiden century (From Stourbridge News)

Andrew fires his maiden century

10:40am Tuesday 18th December 2012 in News By Tom Guest, @tomguestWN #WENsport

WORCESTERSHIRE all-rounder Gareth Andrew is hitting top form during his winter away in New Zealand — blasting a maiden first-class century.

The 28-year-old, who is spending the English off-season on the far side of the world playing for Canterbury Wizards, smashed an unbeaten 180 in their on-going Plunket Shield match against Auckland.

Batting at number eight, Andrew reached three figures for the first time in his first-class career as he helped Canterbury to an imposing total of 405-9 declared.

The New Road paceman then struck twice with the new ball to help reduce the Aces to 58-5, including the wicket of former Worcestershire and New Zealand international Lou Vincent for a duck.

However, an unbeaten 127-run eighth-wicket partnership between Gareth Hopkins (96 not out) and Kyle Mills (61no) pulled Auckland back into the contest.

Andrew’s impressive contribution in the match so far bodes well for his return to Worcestershire action next season when he is likely to be a key player as the New Road side bid for promotion from Division Two of the LV= County Championship.