Pace duo Chris Liptrot and Stuart Lampitt did their best to make up for lost time when Worcestershire's rain-ravaged County Championship match against Surrey finally got underway at New Road yesterday.

They shared nine wickets to help dismiss Surrey for 223 in 43.4 overs before the County replied with 15-1 off five overs by the close last night.

Further heavy rain today forced the match to be abandoned as a draw with the County collecting eight points.

Liptrot led the way yesterday with a career-best 5-51 on his home debut.

Lampitt also provided a sharp cutting edge by taking 4-47 - an impressive return which included England World Cup stars Alec Stewart (6), Graham Thorpe (54) and Adam Hollioake (7).

Lampitt said: "It was nice to take a few wickets, especially early in the season. It was a helpful wicket and it was nice to find the edge for a change.

"It's good to get anybody out at any stage, but people who play for Eng-land obviously is quite nice."

He also praised Liptrot, saying: "He's looked quite skiddy and the ball comes on to the bat a little bit quicker than you expect. He also swings it away a little so he's a good prospect.

Thursday, April 22, 1999.