WORCESTERSHIRE batsmen Stephen Moore and Ben Smith continued their demolition of an under-powered Essex attack on a rain-shortened third day in the last Frizzell County Championship fixture of the season at New Road.
The fourth wicket pair extended their partnership to 333 as the home side reached 424-3, now only 150 behind Essex's imposing 574, in a defiant response to criticism by supporters.
The annual members' forum was held this week in the wake of a failed promotion bid in Division Two.
Captain Vikram Solanki vigorously defended his team against what he called "negative vibes" and big innings by Moore and Smith provided another answer to the critics.
Moore had already posted his second century of the season before the resumption at 244-2 and Smith reached his sixth hundred of the summer with his 17th four from 150 deliveries.
Moore moved up to 1,354 runs in his most productive campaign with 191 in five hours, with 35 fours and two sixes from 266 balls, before he pulled Ravi Bopara straight to James Middlebrook in front of the hospitality marquee.
Smith, now up to 1,470 runs for the season, closed the day unbeaten on 154, with 24 fours and two sixes from 239 balls.
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