LV COUNTY CHAMPIONSHIP DIVISION TWO, New Road:
CLOSE OF PLAY, DAY ONE: Gloucestershire 78-3 v Worcestershire
(Worcestershire 1pt)
Match scorecard

Richard Jones has twice improved his career-best figures this season

Worcestershire paceman Richard Jones continued his fine form by grabbing two quick Gloucestershire wickets on a rain-ravaged opening day at New Road.

The 23-year-old, fresh from a career-best seven for 115 against Sussex at Hove earlier in the week, claimed 2-18 as the visitors closed on 78-3.

Prolonged heavy rain, followed by mopping-up operations, prevented any play until mid-afternoon (1515 BST).

But, after Gloucestershire had won the toss, only 29.1 overs were possible.

Jones' efforts in helping his side take three Gloucestershire wickets did at least earn Worcestershire the unusual honour of being the only side to earn a point on the first day of the current round of six Championship matches.

Jonathan Batty and Steve Snell launched their innings against a Worcestershire seam attack which included 36-year-old Matt Mason, called up for his first appearance of the season following a niggling back injury.

The lively Jones struck the first blow when he tempted Snell into driving a full-length delivery to Daryl Mitchell at second slip.

It was Stourbridge-born Jones' 30th Championship wicket of the season and he added to his tally shortly afterwards by having Chris Dent caught at fine leg by Mason for five.

Batty was then joined by Hamish Marshall to take Alex Gidman's side to 42-2 at tea.

Two overs after the interval, a boundary by Marshall off Alan Richardson lifted Gloucestershire past the 50 mark.

They put on 54 in 19 overs before Batty turned Richardson to Alexei Kervezee at short leg for 38.

Marshall was unbeaten on 23, including three fours, when further rain ended play early.

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