Worcestershire secure a first innings lead at Cardiff

On a day of fluctuating fortunes, a contrasting series of half-century partnerships and fifties from two lower order batsmen, saw Worcestershire gain a 45 run lead at the end of the second day of their Championship match with Glamorgan at Cardiff.

The day had begun with the Worcestershire bowlers dismissing Glamorgan for 270, with Mike Powell, the first day centurion, eventually being dismissed for 125, and becoming one of two victims for Nantie Hayward during a hostile spell from the South African paceman.

Glamorgan`s new ball attack, spearheaded by Michael Kasprowicz, claimed an early wicket as Stephen Peters was caught behind in Kasprowicz`s third over. Kadeer Ali and Anurag Singh then took the score to 58 before the Queenslander struck again in consecutive overs after lunch, clean bowling both batsmen, and finishing his opening spell with figures of 3/16 from his 12 overs.

Alex Wharf then yorked Justin Kemp as Worcestershire slumped to 85-4, but captain Ben Smith and Championship debutant Stephen Moore then shared a half-century partnership for the fifth wicket, before both fell in consecutive overs as Smith was bowled as he tried to cut Dean Cosker, and then Moore miscued a drive into the hands of David Hemp at cover.

The visitors had lost 5 wickets for 100 runs between lunch and tea, and when play resumed after the interval, Glamorgan sensed a first innings lead. However, Worcestershire`s lower order launched a counter-attack and after a dormant spell before tea, the scoreboard started ticking over again as Gareth Batty and wicket-keeper Steve Adshead added 72 in 28 overs before Batty was caught at short-leg off Robert Croft for 49.

The Worcestershire rally continued in the final hour as Matt Mason joined Adshead and unfurled some lusty blows against the Glamorgan bowlers. The Anglo-Australian raced to a quickfire 50 in just 37 balls, and had made a career-best 52 when he chanced his arm once too often and was bowled by Dean Cosker.

Adshead had been far more restrained but his patience was rewarded as he recorded his maiden Championship half-century shortly before the close as Worcestershire finished the day on 315/8.