WORCESTERSHIRE moved out of the LV= County Championship Division One relegation zone following a draw with Sussex.

A farewell half-century by Michael Klinger helped the winless County to third-from-bottom place after rain on the final morning in a hard-fought match at New Road.

The visitors tried to make up for lost time with 108 not out for Ed Joyce and 98 by Chris Nash before a declaration at 258-4 left Worcestershire chasing 315 in 60 overs.

A victory was out of the question in cold, miserable conditions but they bagged their fourth draw in six games, reaching 174-4 before time was called with a dozen overs to be bowled.

Klinger has been a compact, well-organised opener over six weeks and, although this was only his second championship half-century, most of his innings were on bowler-friendly pitches.

But the value of his last appearance could not be underestimated as Worcestershire edged towards safety after Daryl Mitchell fell lbw to Naved Arif’s second delivery in the 10th over. Supported by Vikram Solanki in a partnership of 76, Klinger made 67 with eight fours and a six but his departure was unlucky with a thin deflection on the leg side in attempting to hook James Anyon.

While Klinger returns to England in July for a tour with Australia ‘A’, Test-playing compatriot Phil Hughes begins his Worcester stint in the CB40 against Middlesex at New Road on Sunday.

Worcestershire wobbled when Monty Panesar took two wickets in six balls and James Cameron retired after a short ball from Anyon struck him on the side of his face.

However, Solanki (44 not out) and Gareth Andrew (27no) saw them to safety.

When the rain relented for a start after an early lunch, Sussex lost four wickets in adding 115 in 10 overs after their openers resumed an overnight partnership of 143.