WORCESTERSHIRE'S Matt Mason and Steve Rhodes completed a tremendous fightback to delay Warwickshire's Frizzell County Championship Division One title push.

When play ended at New Road last night, the 'Old Enemy' led by 138 runs with seven second innings wickets left.

But Warwickshire were made to battle all the way during the County's rousing reply of 416 from 123.2 overs to the table-toppers' 460.

The main frustration for the Bears was a gallant ninth-wicket stand of 88 runs between Mason and Rhodes.

Warwickshire paceman Heath Streak, who took 4-81, admitted: "I think we allowed them 80 runs more than we should have.

"They batted well towards the end. Mason and Rhodes took a few risks and it came off."

Despite the risks, however, it was a great effort by the determined pair.

Mason was finally removed for a career-best 63 which included three hefty sixes and nine fours off 56 balls. Rhodes was undefeated on 44.

The relegation-haunted County started the day on 161-2 with Graeme Hick and Kadeer Ali putting on 157 runs in 53 overs.

Kadeer eventually fell for a well-deserved 66, including one six and seven fours off 164 balls, and Hick departed for 93, containing one six and 14 fours off 185 deliveries.

Both perished to Dougie Brown who finished with 5-89, a haul which included Ray Price for a valuable 32.

When Warwickshire resumed on 94-3 today, they had a lucky let-off when Andrew Hall dropped Ian Bell at first slip off Mason.