Bichel led Worcestershire's bowlers with 3-27

Worcestershire's total of 204 on a difficult pitch proved 21 runs too much for Essex in Tuesday's C&G quarter-final at New Road.

Andy Flower (58) and James Middlebrook (47) were both run out at crucial points as Essex were bowled out for 183 in 48.1 overs.

Australian Andy Bichel was the pick of the home side's bowlers with 3-27.

Ben Smith (54) and David Leatherdale (42) had earlier shared a stand of 76 to avoid similar early difficulty.

But Bichel made the breakthrough by bowling Jefferson through the gate for 19, and two more wickets followed for the addition of just six.

Flower looked set to bat through the innings before a pin-point throw by Gareth Batty saw him run out in the 36th over.

But Middlebrook may have considered himself unlucky to be given out with 29 runs still needed from 27 balls.

It was tough up front on that pitch - tougher than I expected Ben Smith

Steve Rhodes collected Kabir Ali's throw from third man with Middlebrook well short, but TV replays appeared inconclusive on whether the wicket-keeper broke the stumps before the ball arrived.

Essex captain Ronnie Irani raised doubt over the decision by the third official.

"Umpire David Constant is a strong enough character," he said.

"His decision is final and we've got to agree with that."

Smith admitted his decision after winning the toss could have backfired.

"It was tough up front on that pitch - tougher than I expected," he said.

"But we got some decent partnerships together and made a respectable total.

"Andy Bichel was outstanding with the new ball and alongside Matt Mason he set the tone."

Worcestershire: S D Peters, V S Solanki, A J Bichel, G A Hick, B F Smith (Capt), A J Hall, D A Leatherdale, G J Batty, Kabir Ali, S J Rhodes (Wkt), M S Mason.

Essex: W I Jefferson, A Flower, R C Irani (Capt), A N Cook, R S Bopara, J S Foster (Wkt), J D Middlebrook, G R Napier, D Gough, S A Brant, Danish Kaneria.