A FINE century from Tom Fell and some incisive bowling from Dillon Pennington saw Worcestershire carve out a day four victory in their Bob Willis Trophy match with Northamptonshire.

An early tea was called at Wantage Road as the rain began to fall with Northamptonshire 114/6 requiring another 149 runs to win with 39 more overs left to bowl.

Resuming on 81 not out, Fell's sixth first class hundred helped Worcestershire to 255-6 declared, leaving Northants with 263 to win on the final day.

He said: “Early on with difficult conditions it certainly it was hard work. With the newer ball, it nipped around a lot and it felt like there was plenty in it.

“But as the day went on, probably with a bit more sun on the wicket, it felt like it slowed down a bit as the ball got older. It made it a little bit easier but there are still balls (wicket-taking balls) in it.

“It is still one of those pitches where you never really feel ‘in’ and you’ve got to really work hard for your runs and grind it out. On pitches like this, you do need a bit of luck.

“Is that the best I’ve played for a while? I think so. I’ve felt really good this season so far. I’ve had a few starts and feel like my game is as good as it’s been for a long, long time."

In reply, Northants were reduced to 94-6 as Worcestershire looked to pick up quick wickets and force a victory.

Dillon Pennington and Josh Tongue both picked up two wickets, with one each for Joe Leach and Ed Barnard.

Shortly after Pennington removed Saif Zaib for 5, the rain came and an early tea was taken.

Resuming after tea, Josh Tongue took his third wicket as he bowled Gareth Berg by taking the top of his off stump leaving Northants 130/7.

Leach then picked up the wicket of Adam Rossington who top edged a pull shot high into the air and into the hands of Ben Cox leaving Northamptonshire 150/8.

Pennington then removed Blessing Muzarabani putting Worcestershire on the brink of victory before dismissing Graeme White for a duck, giving Worcestershire their second win of the season.