Gareth Roderick

I feel very honoured Joe has asked me to to say a few words about him for his much deserved Testimonial year.

I feel like I have a nice insight into the man we call Bison (thank you Charlie Morris). Having first suited up against him as opposition in 2013 and then becoming his team mate in 2021. During that first meeting I believe he got his maiden first class century. From that day on until I joined him at Worcestershire Joe and my front pad were very well acquainted and often met with a trademark Nip Backer that has seen him amass 450 first class wickets for the Pears.

Playing against Joe you always knew your technique would be tested as he rarely misses his mark and constantly puts your defence to the test. He was and always is in the contest and plays the game hard but fair. We often spoke as opposition and joked about how I would fair against him and the new ball in our upcoming battle. Which I have to say I can’t recall getting the better of him very often.

But after joining in 2021 I got to become his team mate and see first hand the care and effort he put into his players and the club he calls home. After an extremely tough start for myself as a Pear I always felt his big arm over my shoulder telling me a score was around the corner and all would be fine. I am not sure he knows how much it helped me and how much I appreciated those small gestures. He continues to be a leader and voice in the dressing room and will do until he decides he can no longer tolerate Ed Pollocks behaviour and calls it a day ( which we all hope is still many years away).

I wish you nothing but a great year ahead Joe and look forward to annoying you all the way through your Testimonial.

Roders