STEPHEN Peters and Stephen Moore have put Worcestershire in a powerful position in their Frizzell Championship Division One match against Surrey at New Road.

The opening duo produced an undefeated century stand after paceman Kabir Ali and Matt Mason had shared nine wickets to dismiss Surrey for 155 in 47.1 overs.

By the close last night the County were an impressive 170-0 off 45 overs in reply with Peters leading the way on 92 not out including one six and 14 fours off 140 balls.

Moore was undefeated on 73, containing ten fours off 131 balls, as the County capitalised on the excellent bowling performances by Kabir (5-60) and Mason (4-46).

Kabir's display was another indication that he is well on the road back to top form after missing the opening six weeks of the season following surgery to cure a double hernia.

The 23-year-old, playing his fourth Championship match of the campaign, said: "I've not set any goals apart from the normal one of getting through a season without many injury problems. But now I'm back in I want to give it my best shot."

Surrey had resumed on 16-2 off seven overs following a rain-ravaged opening day, but soon found themselves being delayed by the sun which caused an unexpected hold up in their progress.

They were on 57-3 when dazzling sunlight reflecting off sight screen sheeting on the new Basil D'Oliveira Stand gave Graham Thorpe and Jonathan Batty difficulties which resulted in umpires Barry Dudleston and Peter Hartley taking the players off the pitch.

The delay lasted 19 minutes during which time a mobile sightscreen from the adjacent King's School playing field was put in place in front of the stand.

A section of the offending sheeting was also lowered to enable Batty and Thorpe to continue their partnership without the reduction of any overs.

Despite their 52 runs partnership in 17 overs, Surrey quickly began to fold against Kabir and Mason with Batty being last out for a top score of 53 which included ten fours off 105 deliveries.