James Foster hit an unbeaten century to help Essex take a 346-run lead into the final day of their Division Two clash with leaders Worcestershire.

Foster will resume on 111 not out in the morning having brought up his century off 183 balls.

Essex skipper Mark Pettini and all-rounder Ryan ten Doeschate both made useful contributions as they chipped in with 46 apiece.

Imran Arif and Gareth Andrew took three wickets each for Worcestershire.

Foster anchored Essex's innings superbly for his first century of the summer after a rain delayed start to the third day.

Many of his runs came during a 96-run fifth wicket stand with Ten Doeschate, before the Dutchman became one of Arif's victims and James Middlebrook, Graham Napier and Chris Wright all fell shortly afterwards.

The Worcestershire attack was without Matt Mason who suffered a shoulder injury on the first day, while it was further dented as Kabir Ali, who took 6-83 in the first innings, did not bowl in the final session because of a bad back.