Durham struggle in bid to beat the drop

ECB REPORTERS NETWORK SUPPORTED BY ROTHESAY

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WORCESTERSHIRE'S relegation was confirmed on day three of their Rothesay County Championship meeting with Durham despite centuries from Gareth Roderick and Ethan Brookes.

Worcestershire, whose fate was sealed after failing to pick up a third batting point, continued to frustrate a Durham side desperately seeking points to avoid the same fate.

Roderick picked up his 12th First Class century on a docile pitch after the morning session was washed out and despite a first Durham wicket for Afghan leg spinner Shafiquallah Ghafari, they continued to pile on the runs throughout the day.

Brookes joined Roderick in the middle and he picked up his fifty, while Roderick passed 150, but a double-wicket burst from Sam Conners halted the Pears’ momentum.

However, Brookes continued the onslaught and notched up three figures as the Pears finished on 591 for nine at close.

Rain meant that play didn’t start until 1.20pm with 70 overs in the day and Roderick, unbeaten on 95, and nightwatchman Ben Gibbon resumed Worcestershire’s innings.