WORCESTERSHIRE'S grip on their County Champion-ship Division Two match against Warwickshire was loosened when they lost four wickets in 18 deliveries on a rain-ravaged third day at New Road.

Included in the quick-fire dismissals was Graeme Hick who made 124, which included two sixes and 18 fours off 137 balls.

With only 24.1 overs possible all day because of the weather, the County closed last night on 347-7 -- a lead of 70.

They had resumed on 273-3 with Hick unbeaten on 116 and David Leatherdale on 4.

Skipper Hick's 113th first-class ton finally came to an end when he was caught at deep square leg by diving Dougie Brown off paceman Vasbert Drakes.

His departure sparked a dramatic decline in his side's fortunes with Paul Pollard offering an easy caught and bowled chance to Ashley Giles for a 'duck'.

Soon after Leatherdale was bowled off stump for 18 by Drakes with Andy Bichel becoming an lbw victim for Giles.

All for wickets fell for just seven runs to reduce Worces-tershire to 301-7.

By the premature close Steve Rhodes (22 not out) Stuart Lampitt (17 not out) had added an undefeated 46.