TOM Moody wants his side to bat Derbyshire out of the game on day two at the County Ground.

The New Road director of cricket was satisfied with Worcestershire's opening effort at Derby yesterday as they finished on 305-6 in the Frizzell County Championship Division Two clash.

And the Australian wants more of the same as the County bid to record a strong first innings total.

"We want to bat on and get as many as we can today," said Moody. "Hopefully, we can learn a bit from the way Derbyshire have bowled on the wicket. Then, we'll try to hit some decent areas and expose their top order.

"I imagine, as the game progresses, that it will turn a little. It always does a bit at Derby and particularly with two left-armers, in Dean and Sheriyar, I'm sure a path will open up for Gareth Batty with his off-spin."

Moody was delighted with his top order as only skipper Vikram Solanki failed to fire in Worcestershire's opening match of the season.

Graeme Hick top scored with 80 as the County stuck to their task well on a pitch which always offered something to Derbyshire's seamers.

Stephen Peters hit a dogged 55, while Ben Smith (48) and Batty (47) saw out a difficult period.

"Both Gareth and Ben batted through a tough period," said Moody. "That session was a difficult one because Derbyshire bowled well. Gareth was the most positive out of the two in that partnership and it worked very well because it got us out of a potential situation where we could have been bowled out if we weren't as disciplined in that period."

Hick missed out on the chance of his 127th first-class hundred, despite being dropped twice. The former England man eventually fell 20 runs short when he was lbw to a delivery from Australian all-rounder Jon Moss which kept low.

"We were very pleased with the start because it was quite a slow outfield and the wicket's got a bit in it. The guys stuck in there, though, and batted through some tough periods."

Rain delayed David Leatherdale (13) and James Pipe (22) from resuming Worcestershire's bid today.