Skipper David Sales was denied a third century of the campaign but his 96 took Northants to 342 against Worcs.

Gareth Batty grabbed three quick wickets for the visitors, battling with Essex for promotion to the top flight.

But Sales smashed nine fours and three sixes and recorded his fourth fifty of the campaign, sharing 121 for the fifth wicket with Ben Phillips, who made 75.

Phillips also hit three sixes, while Monty Panesar struck five fours in his 34, his highest of the season.