DELIGHT was tinged with disappointment for Daryl Mitchell as his magnificent third day effort with the bat had helped Worcestershire into a seemingly invincible position at Grace Road last Friday.
The 21-year-old from Badsey, playing only his second Frizzell County Championship game, batted for more than five hours as the Pearmen were all out for 323 in response to Leicestershire's first innings total of 225.
On a pitch that offered assistance to the bowlers throughout, Mitchell had faced 245 balls for his unbeaten 63 when the visitors were all out late in the afternoon.
All that effort was then rewarded after Mitchell had completed a full day in the field as the hosts slumped to 132-5 at the close - a lead of just 34 with one day remaining.
It was still looking good for the New Road men until Paul Nixon and last man Charl Willoughby added vital runs for the last wicket leaving Worcestershire to score a modest 141 for victory on a wearing pitch.
Mitchell was back at the crease on Saturday just before tea when the chasers had slipped to 83-4.
The loss of opener Steve Davies left Mitchell the senior partner but he was trapped leg before by Dinesh Mongia for just ten as Worcestershire lost their last six wickets for 33 runs in 11 overs to lose by 12 runs.
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