A SEVENTH-WICKET stand between Daryl Mitchell and Gareth Andrew helped Worcestershire post a competitive first-innings total of 334 during a rain-affected second day of their LV= County Championship Division Two clash with Lancashire at Emirates Old Trafford.

The duo had united late on day one and batted through today’s morning session and then a small part of the evening session following afternoon rain to share an innings-high partnership of 96 inside 34 overs.

But despite their solid position in the contest at its halfway stage, there will no doubt be a tinge of regret in the away dressing room having lost their last four wickets for 19 runs in 31 balls.

Lancashire will resume day three on 42 without loss, with Paul Horton unbeaten on 16 and Luke Procter on 24 not out. All-rounder Procter had earlier returned the pick of his side’s bowling figures with four for 58.

The Pears had resumed after a second rain delay on 301 for six from 120 overs and were eventually bowled out inside 132 as Glen Chapple and Procter equally shared the wickets to fall during day two.