NORTHAMPTONSHIRE'S Graeme Swann snapped up four prime Worcestershire wickets as slow bowlers continued to dominate proceedings on a rain-shortened day at Wantage Road.

Off-spinner Swann accounted for the in-form Graeme Hick on his way to 4- 111 from 41 overs, helping to dismiss the visitors for 292.

Northants had reached 63-1 in their second innings when bad light ended play 75 minutes early last night. They added just four to that total when pace bowler Matt Mason trapped Tim Roberts leg before.

But there was relief for the hosts when ECB inspector Phil Sharpe, who watched the whole of the day's play, decided that no action was necessary over the condition of the pitch.

Worcestershire resumed at 119-1, but Swann soon dismmissed Hick (34) and Stephen Peters (63).

Skipper Ben Smith (46) and Vikram Solanki (32) added 56 in 17 overs for the fourth wicket to carry Worcestershire past Northants' 177 all out.

But Solanki failed to beat Roberts' throw from deep mid-wicket and Smith departed to a juggling catch at silly point to give Swann his third victim.

He added a fourth with the aid of a brilliant caught-and-bowled to account for Andy Bichel (21) shortly after lunch.

Gareth Batty, the bowling hero of the first day, underlined his all-round credentials with 36 handy runs and although Kabir Ali (24) did his best to nurse the tail Worcestershire were dismissed eight runs short of a third batting point.