DURHAM closed in on their eighth win of the season by reducing Worcestershire from 128 for two to 185 for eight at lunch.

With the visitors still 180 behind, the signs were that Durham would enjoy a brief spell in early afternoon level with Warwickshire on points. But the leaders were guaranteed at least three more points for a draw if they continued to be frustrated in their efforts to win at the Rose Bowl.

Hampshire did not lose a wicket this morning and were nine runs ahead with seven wickets standing, while Somerset led Lancashire by 105 with two wickets left.

Worcesterhire were going well this morning on 128 for two but then lost three wickets on the same total.

Graham Onions had done the softening up and Mitch Claydon cashed in with two wickets in his second over.

Shortly after lofting Ian Blackwell sweetly over long-on for six, Moeen Ali edged a drive to Michael Di Venuto at second slip and three balls later Alexei Kervezee edged to Phil Mustard.

Then Blackwell turned one into left-handed opener James Cameron to have him lbw on the back foot for 47.

Gareth Andrew clearly had no intention of hanging around and Blackwell bowled him through a reverse sweep for 15.

Matt Pardoe made 27 before edging Blackwell to slip then Scott Borthwick found extra bounce to find Ben Scott’s top edge as he shaped to turn to leg. A simple catch lobbed to backward square leg.