WORCESTERSHIRE are in danger of facing a first innings deficit after a fine century by Middlesex's Ben Hutton in the Frizzell County Championship Division One match against Worcestershire at New Road.

The grandson of the legendary Sir Leonard Hutton scored 108 as his side closed on 260-3 off 92 overs in reply to the the County's 305.

Hutton, the fourth player to captain Middlesex this season, set about the Worcestershire attack after figuring in a 72-run stand in 25 overs with Sven Koenig (37).

By the time his double-act with Nick Compton was over he had put on a valuable 127 in 39 overs.

The bumper partnership was eventually broken when Compton, grandson of the great Denis Compton, was trapped leg before by spinner Gareth Batty for 40, containing five fours off 117 deliveries.

It was a useful way to celebrate his championship debut for Middlesex who then quickly lost hero Hutton when he played over a Batty delivery.

His second ton of the campaign hoisted him well clear as his side's leading championship run-scorer with 667.

Owais Shah (22no) and Paul Weekes (32no) then took Middlesex to the close without any further loss.

The County began the day on 263-6 off 68.3 overs and added a further 42 in 10 overs in just over 40 minutes.

Vikram Solanki, in sight of a second championship century of the season following his 107 against Kent at New Road in June, resumed on 82 and was finally out for 92 which contained six fours off 135 balls.

His impressive innings finally came to an end due to a brilliant running catch by a diving Compton at deep backward square leg after hooking paceman Melvin Betts.

The on-song 28-year-old put on 133 in 28 overs with Andrew Hall who resumed on 68.

The South African all-rounder added another eight runs before driving at Indian newcomer Ajit Agarkar and being caught behind by David Nash after cracking nine fours off 105 deliveries.

Kabir managed only three before he was run out by a direct underarm throw from extra cover by Hutton.

His dismissal left Worcestershire still needing another six runs to pick up their third batting bonus point.

It was achieved thanks to Steve Rhodes (5no), leading the side in place of knee injury victim Ben Smith, and Matt Mason (6) who became a third scalp for Agarkar.

Betts finished with five for 89.

Meanwhile, Worcestershire Royals return to the limited-over arena on Monday when they take on Somerset Sabres in a re-arranged totesport League Division Two match at Taunton (1pm).