ANURAG Singh wrote his name into the records books and then came in for praise from skipper Ben Smith after Worcestershire clin-ched their first Frizzell County Championship division two victory of the season with a 111-run win over Gloucestershire at New Road on Saturday.

Opener Singh made an undefeated 83 to become the first player to carry his bat through a Championship innings for the County since Elliott Wilson achieved the feat while scoring 104 not out against Middlesex at New Road in 2000.

Singh's heroics enabled grateful Worcestershire to set Gloucestershire a victory target of 210 in 63 overs.

After a couple of stoppages for rain, accounting for nine overs, they were eventually dismissed for 98 with paceman Kabir Ali grabbing 4-39.

The County's well deserved win with 22 overs to spare ended their run of three draws and knocked Gloucestershire off the top of the table.

Singh's vital contribution -- he hit ten fours off 213 balls after being 36 not out overnight -- enabled him to battle his way into form after collecting just 64 runs in his first five Championship innings of the season.

Smith said: "It took a lot of guts and determination to do what he did and he did it very well. Then, of course, on the back of that the bowlers ran in and bowled very well.

"I think it's done him the world of good to get a good score on a wicket that was testing at times."

In a match in which 144 overs were lost to rain, Smith was delighted that the County were able overcome the grim weather by sending Gloucestershire reeling to their first defeat of the season.

He said: "It was a good four days in and out of the rain and the showers. It's been a little bit nail-biting and slightly frustrating in the last two or three weeks, but we've shown we had the strength and we pulled through very well when it was needed."

Smith now hopes the victory will enable promotion hopefuls Worcestershire to get on a roll and make up for the damage caused by the miserable early season weather.

He said: "All you have to do is look back at the amount of overs we have lost. It's important the supporters and the public really do understand we have lost vital time already this season.

"The rain has played an important part in the season so far, not only through the overs we have lost but the wickets have been conducive to swing and seam.

"It's not only the points you don't get through playing and being able to perform, it's also the wickets you are playing on don't allow you to get maximum batting points. Bowling points aren't a problem when its like that."