WORCESTERSHIRE'S David Leatherdale reached 154 at Northampton today before becoming the second early wicket to fall as the County chased quick runs.

Matt Rawnsley fell without addition to the score when he was caught and bowled by Carl Greenidge for four and soon after Leatherdale was bowled by John Blain to leave Worcestershire on 430-7.

Andy Bichel was in aggressive mood, however, and scorched to an ubeaten 23 off just ten balls on the second day of the Frizzell Championship Division Two game.

Yesterday, Stephen Peters made the highest score of his first-class career in his innings of 146 that bettered his previous top-score by 36 and included 25 fours and a six.

Blain was the pick of the home attack, but only finished with figures of three for 99.

Peters started slowly but accelerated after securing his half-century, taking a particular liking to Greenidge.

The 23-year-old, growing in composure with every shot, brought up his 165-ball century in the best way possible --pulling medium-pacer Jeffrey Cook to square leg for six.

He continued to score at a rapid rate and was rarely troubled before Tony Penberthy surprised him on the back foot and was relieved to accept the return catch.

The power of Leatherdale's hitting was apparent as he raced to a century, with 84 coming from boundaries as he and Peters added 229 for the fourth wicket.

Greenidge did have an early wicket to celebrate though, tempting Anurag Singh into an edge. That dismissal brought Graeme Hick to the crease but, after two boundaries, he threw his wicket away as he lofted tamely to mid-off.

When Blain had Ben Smith leg before for 24 Worcestershire were rocking at 77 for three. But Peters and Leatherdale changed the complexion of the match completely. All-rounder Gareth Batty also chipped in with a useful 33.