VERDICT

Well done Worcestershire!

Boosted by a centurylaced campaign by Daryl Mitchell, they have doggedly stuck to their task throughout a fascinating season and deserve their place back in the Championship’s top flight.

They made sure of clinching promotion after putting Durham on the back foot with crucial scores from Ravi Ashwin, Ed Barnard and Joe Clarke.

Their impressive combined efforts allowed the hosts to collect three precious bonus points.

Ashwin led the way with 82 – his highest score for Worcestershire – followed by a career-best 75 from Barnard.

England Lion Clarke again underlined his undoubted talents with 65.

Graham Onions, in his farewell match for Durham, took 4-68 while 18 year old slow left armer Liam Trevaskis marked his debut by claiming the prize wicket of Ashwin.

In a weather-affected match, Worcestershire soon set about picking up bowling points, although Graham Clark (60) and Michael Richardson (45 not out) did their best to keep them at bay.

A highlight of the hosts’ second innings was Mitchell being involved in century partnerships with Tom Fell (47) and George Rhodes (51 not out).

Former skipper Mitchell went on to make 123 not out – his seventh Championship century of the season.

It enabled Worcs to declare on 242-3 and leave the visitors a target of 370 in 76 overs.