STEVE Rhodes is confident teenager Steve Davies will shake off last night's disappointment and become a future Worcestershire star.

The Bromsgrove-born 18-year-old was the final victim at New Road yesterday as the County reached 27-1 under gloomy skies, replying to Durham's 256 all out on the second day of the Division Two Frizzell Championship fixture.

England U19 captain Davies, making his Championship debut in favour of out-of-form Stephen Peters, faced a tricky eight-over spell with fellow opener Stephen Moore before the close of play.

Despite negotiating highly-regarded Durham paceman Liam Plunkett, Davies later succumbed for four to another debutant, Australian Ashley Noffke, tickling a nervous shot to wicketkeeper Phil Mustard.

"It was a blow losing Steve at the end," said assistant coach Rhodes. "But sometimes that happens when you've got an awkward little eight overs to face.

"He would have been very nervous and he played a bit of a nervy shot. In a lot of ways, it's out of the way now. Steve will get over that and I'm confident he will go from strength to strength."

Earlier in the day, Sri Lankan swing bowler Chaminda Vaas led the County attack and maintained his excellent early-season form to take 3-36.

The left-armer tore in and accounted for Durham's openers, New Zealander Nathan Astle (11) and Jon Lewis (18), with successful leg-before shouts. He then added a further wicket when tail-ender Noffke (18) edged to Greame Hick at second slip.

Kabir Ali also weighed in with trio of scalps, returning with 3-72, and Matt Mason chipped in with 2-49.

Durham would have expected more after winning the toss, but despite every batsman bar last man Mark Davies playing themselves in with double-figure scores, not one reached the 40-run mark.

The rain, however, returned today and prevented a prompt start.