NEWCOMER Ben Smith cracked a fine half-century for Worcestershire in a 50-over friendly against his former club Leicestershire who triumphed by 32 runs at Grace Road yesterday.

Smith, one of four major signings made by the County during the close season, scored 58 including four fours off 79 balls.

Worcestershire were all out for 299 off 47.4 overs in reply to Leicestershire's 331-5.

The home side's tally was boosted by a splendid century from Iain Sutcliffe, whose 105 was laced with two sixes and 14 fours. He was finally caught by Philip Weston off young paceman Kabir Ali, who claimed 2-63.

Leicestershire were able to comfortably pass the 300 mark thanks to Darren Maddy and Trevor Ward. Ward stroked 80, containing 12 fours, and put on 179 for the first wicket with Sutcliffe who spent 110 minutes in the middle and faced 101 balls.

Maddy was undefeated on 90, including five sixes and seven fours off 65 deliveries.

County new boy Gareth Batty put his off-spin to good use by dismissing Darren Stevens for five and Neil Burns for two.

When Batty turned his attention to opening Worcestershire's reply he made 20 of 16 balls.

The County's top scorer was David Leatherdale who stroked an eye-catching 83. He hit one six and ten fours off 62 deliveries in an hour and a half.

Vikram Solanki was also a half-century maker, notching 54 off 65 balls. He clubbed seven fours.

Spinner Carl Crowe was Leicestershire's most successful bowler by claiming 4-57, while former England paceman Devon Malcolm picked up the prize wicket of County skipper Graeme Hick for four.

Worcestershire continue their pre-season build-up with limited-over matches against Derbyshire at Derby today and tomorrow.

On Saturday they launch a three-day game with Oxford UCCE in The Parks.

But Worcestershire's match against the Birmingham League at Ombersley on Saturday has been cancelled. The League were unable to raise a side.