MURRAY Goodwin and Richard Montgomerie compiled centuries to put Sussex in the driving seat after Worcestershire claimed a first innings lead of 46 in the County Championship Second Division match at Horsham.

The hosts closed the second day on 242 for four, a lead of 196, with Goodwin and Montgomerie having put on 212 in 67 overs.

It was Sussex's highest opening stand since the partnership of 228 between Neil Lenham and Bill Athey against Essex at Hove in 1993, and came after they were routed for 137 in their first innings.

Goodwin registered his second ton in four innings from 189 balls. He had struck 20 boundaries when he drove a delivery from Alamgir Sheriyar to cover where David Leatherdale took a smart catch.

Sheriyar struck again to have the uncapped Michael Yardy caught behind for only two before Montgomerie went on to record his second century of the season.

The former Northants opener, nursing a wrist injury, went into his shell on Goodwin's dismissal and was stuck on 89 for 10 overs.

But he advanced to his century in fine style by square-driving off-spinner Vikram Solanki for his 11th boundary.

Australian test fast bowler Andy Bichel struck two late blows by removing Dutchman Bas Zuiderent and nightwatchman James Kirtley, but Montgomerie was still there at stumps on 108.

He took his score onto 112 today before being caught by Graeme Hick off spinner Matt Rawndsley.