GARETH Batty and David Leatherdale helped table-topping Worcestershire launch a dramatic fightback against Glamorgan on the opening day of the rain-affected Frizzell County Championship division two match at New Road.

The determined Bradford-born duo put on 101 in 23 overs after the County had plunged to an alarming 65-5.

They were eventually all out for a respectable 237 off 63 overs before Nantie Hayward struck twice leave Glamorgan shell-shocked on 0-2 off one over at the close last night.

The South African pace star ripped out opener Jimmy Maher and then completed a topsy-turvy day for the County by ousting nightwatchman David Harrison.

The rousing comeback, on a day peppered with interruptions for rain, began with Batty and Leatherdale both cracking crucial half centuries to boost Worcestershire's hopes of extending their impressive record in the Championship.

New Road director of cricket Tom Moody said: "To remain unbeaten so far is a real achievement and our goal for the rest of the season must be to maintain that form and clinch division one cricket for the first time."

Moody's rallying call was certainly answered by Batty and Leatherdale who lifted the County's fortunes after a disastrous spell after lunch.

Anurag Singh, Graeme Hick and Ben Smith all departed in the space of eight balls for just one run.

Skipper Smith and Hick were both victims of paceman Harrison who celebrated his 22nd birthday by also capturing Vikram Solanki and Ste-phen Peters. All four were pocketed for the personal cost of just six runs in 22 deliveries.

His deadly efforts were diluted when Batty joined Leatherdale.

Batty was finally out for a seasonal-best 60 which included three sixes and eight fours off 83 balls.

Leatherdale departed for 50 in his first Championship appearance since April. The County were given a further boost by Kabir Ali and Matt Mason who added 54 in 12 overs for the ninth wicket. Kabir was undefeated on 38, while Mason made 16.

The start of today's play was delayed by rain.