A THREE-wicket haul for Mark Harrity failed to prevent Worces-tershire from coming in for a battering from century-maker Jacob Oram in the weather-hit four-day match against New Zealand at New Road.

Paceman Harrity took 3-111 in 22 over as Oram made an undefeated 103 in the tourists total of 379-7 declared.

It was an impressive reply to a total of 270-9 declared by the County, who lost Stephen Peters without a run on the board when poor light stopped play early last night.

Graeme Hick and Stephen Moore began today completed an undefeated 50 stand by the 11th over.

Oram was in hard-hitting mood as he blasted a first Test warning to England who meet the Kiwis at Lord's in the First Test starting on May 20.

The left-hander was well supported by Craig McMillan and Daniel Vettori who both notched half-centuries on an overdue rain-free day at New Road.

Harrity's victims were Mark Richardson, skipper Stephen Fleming and Brendon McCullum which provided a hard-earned return for the 30- year-old, who worked hard during the winter to give his game a boost.

He said: "I went back and worked on what it was I wanted to bring to my game this summer as I learned a lot about the conditions last season. It was probably a little bit different from what I expected."

Harrity and his fellow bowlers, however, found it tough going against Oram who put on 83 in 19 overs with McMillan, whose 86 included two sixes and 14 fours off 123 balls.

Oram also added another 99 in 14 overs with Vettori who hit 51 laced with ten fours off 43 deliveries.

The County had set the scene for the tourists' reply on Saturday when their overnight score of 163-3 was boosted by a career-best 39 not out off 36 balls by newcomer Nadeem Malik.