A RECORD-breaking century partnership between Vikram Solanki and Anurag Singh steered Worcestershire Royals back to the top of the table.

Their efforts clinched a comprehensive eight-wicket victory in last night's floodlit Norwich Union League Division One clash against Warwickshire Bears at Edgbaston.

The deadly duo put on 183 for the first wicket after the County had been left a victory target of 217.

The previous highest stand for any wicket against Warwickshire in the competition had been 182 which Glenn Turner and Ron Headley piled up during an opening partnership at Edgbaston in 1972.

The Solanki-Singh double act spanned 31 overs with confident Solanki leading the way with 91 which included one six and 14 fours off 89 balls.

Former Warwickshire campaigner Singh, called up to take over from Stephen Peters, was unbeaten on 71 which included six fours off 115 deliveries.

For Solanki it was his second major league innings against Warwickshire having cracked an undefeated 119 when the County beat the Bears by four runs at New Road in June.

He was finally dismissed after 113 dazzling minutes when he was snapped up at mid-wicket by Nick Knight off paceman Dougie Brown.

After skipper Graeme Hick had been run out for three, Ben Smith (25 not out) joined Singh to enable the County to cruise to a crucial victory with 5.2 overs to spare.

Earlier, the Bears, after winning the toss, were restricted to 216-8 thanks largely to a splendid performance by medium pacer David Leather-dale, who claimed 4-37.

Among his victims was Warwickshire's top scorer Mark Wagh, who cracked a one-day best 84 which included 11 fours off 122 balls.

Jamie Troughton was also a Leatherdale victim when he was stumped by the alert Steve Rhodes off a wide.

Wagh began by putting on 62 in 15 overs with fellow opener Knight who made 31.

He later added a further 55 in 12 overs with Ian Bell (27) for the third wicket.

Included in the County attack was left arm seamer Alamgir Sheriyar who was called up for his first league outing since June 9.

He replaced Australian fast bowler Matt Mason who was ruled out due to a painful callus on the middle finger of his bowling hand.