A CRUCIAL half-century by Stephen Peters has helped put Worcestershire into a strong position in their Frizzell County Championship division two match against Glamorgan at New Road.

The County opener made 56 as his table-topping side closed last night on 120-4 -- an overall lead of 201.

For Peters it was a welcome return to Championship form following a lean spell since hitting a career-best 165 off the Somerset attack at Bath in early June.

He put on 66 in 17 overs with skipper Ben Smith (30no) before being bowled while attempting to sweep spinner Robert Croft. He struck eight fours off 95 balls.

Glamorgan began the day by resuming on 0-2 off one over in reply to Worcestershire's 237. They were eventually dismissed in 51.1 overs for an undistinguished 156.

Paceman Matt Mason was the County's most productive bowler with 3-22 to take his tally of first-class scalps so far this term to 37.

He said: "If I keep going the way I am now, I should have a pretty good total of wickets on the board by the end of the season.

"If I get to 60 wickets then I'll be pleased with that. That would be a good season for me."

After a delayed start at 12.10pm, Mason began making up for lost time by bowling Jonathan Hughes for 24 after he had added 56 with fellow overnight batsman Ian Thomas.

Mike Powell fell to Mason for a 'duck' before Matthew Maynard became the lively Australian's third victim.

Mason then made way for David Leatherdale to make a mark after turning from London where he flew by helicopter the previous evening to attend his benefit dinner.

The long-serving all-rounder dismissed Thomas with his fourth delivery and then Croft two balls later.

Thomas made 53 which included nine fours off 111 balls.

Paceman Kabir Ali removed Darren Thomas and Michael Kasprowicz before spinner Gareth Batty ousted Mark Wallace for 29 after he had been dropped by Anurag Singh off Leatherdale when on 19.

Worcestershire lost their Second XI Championship match at Northampton by an innings and 30 runs after being bowled out for 140 in their second innings.