[Ska'dForLife-WBA]

Bob Willis Trophy, Central Group

vs Northamptonshire

Day One

Morning: Saturday dawned sunny, but it wasn't long before the dark clouds came rolling in, and when Northants won the toss, it was the obvious decision to put the Pears in to bat. They got an almost instant reward as Jake Libby played down the wrong line to a Nathan Buck delivery and edged to second slip for a duck. By noon, Buck had also accounted for Daryl Mitchell, who was guilty of another incautious prod which was caught at slip for 7. At 12-2, the third-wicket stand went part of the way to rebuilding the Pears innings, but Tom Fell attempted to flick Blessing Muzarabani to the legside and was caught before square leg for 10, leaving the visitors 71-3 at lunch.

Afternoon: As the sky darkened, Worcestershire's fortunes didn't improve. Nathan Buck bowled Jack Haynes for 38 just after the interval, and a collapse looked on the cards when Brett D'Oliveira skyed the ball with a desperately poor shot and ended up caught for 24. Thankfully, the rain came soon after to grant the Pears a bit of relief, curtailing the day's play and giving the team a chance to get their act together overnight.

Evening: No play possible due to rain. Worcestershire closed on 93-5.