COUNTY CHAMPIONSHIP DIVISION ONE, New Road:
CLOSE OF PLAY, DAY ONE: Worcestershire 347-9 (Worcs 3pts, Durham 3pts)
23-26 September

Gareth Andrew hit his second half century in four Championship games

Champions Durham were frustrated by half centuries from Gareth Andrew and Daryl Mitchell against relegated Worcestershire at New Road.

Defiant left-hander Andrew led the way with 77 while Mitchell made 67 in the hosts total of 347-9 off 96 overs.

Andrew hit a six and 11 fours as he helped put on a valuable 78 for the eighth wicket with Richard Jones (27).

Worcestershire, without a Championship win in 2009, were also boosted by a solid effort from Alexei Kervezee (46).

After winning the toss, Division One's bottom club steadily gathered momentum as the day progressed after going to lunch on an uncertain 124-4.

That included Mitchell who, fresh from his career-best 298 against Somerset at Taunton last week, slotted back into the run-scoring groove.

After lunch, Kervezee and Steven Davies then held up Durham's progress with a partnership of 77 in 18 overs before they fell in successive overs with the score at 197.

Steve Harmison pounced to remove David Wheeldon shortly before Worcestershire went for tea at 233-7 off 64 overs.

But the visitors' hopes of a quick breakthrough after the interval were dashed.

Battling Jones was finally lbw to Davies before Andrew played across the line and was clean bowled off stump by Liam Plunkett, who finished with three for 100.

BBC Newcastle's Martin Emmerson gives his daily verdict:

"Durham's players aren't on the beach just yet.

"Despite Worcestershire failing to win a game this season they are putting up some resistance here.

"But Durham will do their best to make sure they go through this one unbeaten to become just the 13th side to do that in Championship history."

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