KIDDERMINSTER: Worcestershire 334-5 dec. v Loughborough UCCE 42-1.

Moeen Ali returned to form with a graceful innings against the students of Loughborough UCCE on the first day of the game at Kidderminster, writes Arthur Longfellow.

Moeen fell just eight short of a maiden first-class century as Worcestershire's middle-order enjoyed themselves against a willing but underpowered attack.

Moeen (141 balls, 14 fours and a six) received good support from Ben Smith (71 off 118 balls, seven fours) in a third-wicket stand of 127, while 18-year-old Alexei Kervezee also impressed with his 41 (80 balls, four fours and a six).

Steven Davies' unbeaten 50 (86 balls, four fours) allowed Worcestershire to declare shortly before stumps.

Matt Mason, on his long-awaited return from injury, was the more steady of the home bowlers, but it was the unpredictable Chris Whelan who struck with the final delivery of the day after conceding more than ten an over in his short spell.

* Warwickshire's bowlers produced an excellent performance to help the side take a firm grip on the Second XI Championship match against Surrey at Cheam, writes George Dobell.

Surrey were dismissed for a paltry 122 on a good batting track, with Stuart Hole's swing bowling accounting for four wickets (four for 36) and Chris Woakes three for 14 in a particularly impressive spell of bowling. Andy Miller took one for 16 and Tim Groenewald two for 12.

Naqaash Tahir looked somewhat rusty after an injury lay-off but improved as his spell continued. Extras (33) was top score for Surrey.

Earlier Warwickshire resumed on 310 for five but were soon bowled out for 341.

Though Luke Parker stretched his overnight score to 195 (367 balls, 26 fours), no-one could stay with him and he was last out. Groenewald made one, Naqaash four, Woakes one and MacLeod failed to score.

Following-on, Surrey were 34 without loss in their second innings at stumps.