WORCESTERSHIRE maintained their compelling push to qualify from the group stages of the Bob Willis Trophy by claiming 15 points after dominating the drawn encounter with Glamorgan at Blackfinch New Road.

The county followed up last week's victory over Gloucestershire at Bristol with another excellent performance over the four days in the sweltering conditions, and they pushed hard for the win throughout a tense final afternoon.

It earned them five batting bonus points, two bowling bonus points plus eight for a share of the spoils and they are just three points behind leaders Somerset who have to visit Blackfinch New Road.

Worcestershire opener Daryl Mitchell struck an impressive 94, and there were also useful contributions from Tom Fell, first-innings century-maker Brett D’Oliveira, Jack Haynes and Ben Cox before the home side declared on 276-6 and set Glamorgan a 358 target in 51 overs.

They were then given a mighty scare by Worcestershire Club Captain Joe Leach and Dillon Pennington who picked up three wickets inside the first four overs with the new ball.

Glamorgan were left hanging on with their captain Chris Cooke making a crucial 74, but they could never afford to relax as Worcestershire exerted constant pressure before closing on 141-7.

There were many positives for Head Coach Alex Gidman to reflect on as Worcestershire overcame early challenges to gain control for much of the remainder of the game.

Jake Libby, with his first century for the club, and Brett D’Oliveira scored excellent first innings hundreds while Mitchell looked in good touch when they batted for a second time, declaring at 276-6 from 71 overs.

Leach produced a deadly burst with the ball for the second successive game – and six wickets in total – trapping Nick Selman lbw for a duck. He then accounted for Charlie Hemphrey (1) in the same fashion.

Dillon Pennington also deserved more than his one first innings wicket after some spells of sustained aggression, and he was deservedly rewarded when Glamorgan batted this afternoon. At the same time, Libby also showed his potential as a spinner.

Pennington removed Kiran Carlson (2) after he aimed to work the ball on the leg side but edged a catch through to Cox.

Root and Cooke saw Glamorgan through to 57-3 at tea before Pennington returned and broke the Root-Cooke stand after it had added 82 when the former on 34 was caught down by the legside by Cox.

Tom Cullen (17) was lbw to Charlie Morris and, with ten overs left, Dan Douthwaite (0) also departed leg before to a delivery of full length to give Libby his first wicket for Worcestershire.

Libby struck again with the prized wicket of Cooke who pushed half forward only for the ball to roll back onto his stumps.

However, Glamorgan were able to see out the last couple of overs to secure the draw.