WORCESTERSHIRE Royals will have to be at their best to maintain top spot in the Norwich Union League Division One tomorrow -- says Director of Cricket Tom Moody.

The Royals, who lead the table on net run rate from Warwickshire Bears, face a tough clash with reigning champions Kent Spitfires at Canterbury tomorrow (1pm).

Kent are currently third in the table, eight points behind Worcestershire but with a game in hand.

Moody said: "It is an important game, as they all are now. We haven't played Kent for some time in the league because of the divisional split, but they have a good all-round side and won this competition last year.

"They are a side that has set the benchmark, and we need to play well to beat them and maintain our current success."

Moody was encouraged by their impressive eight-wicket victory over Somerset Sabres at Taunton last week, when skipper Graeme Hick smashed a superb unbeaten 141.

The victory banished memories of their surprise setback against rock-bottom Durham Dynamos at New Road the previous week.

Moody added: "It was nice to bounce back after our hiccup against Durham. Our top order batting in the last few weeks has been excellent -- let's hope we can continue that."

The County are also looking for a psychological boost ahead of Wednesday's Trophy quarter-final against Somerset at Taunton.

Moody said: "We have had two good results at Taunton this season and it would be nice to make it three."

Matthew Rawnsley is added to the 11 on duty against Somerset. All-rounder David Leatherdale, who was left out of the Championship side at Southend to accommodate a second spin bowler, should return.

The match will see the league's three highest run-scorers this season in opposition, with Hick (251) and Ben Smith (317) taking on Kent's prolific Robert Key (339).