WORCESTERSHIRE Royals believe the weather could play a vital role tonight in the outcome of their floodlit National League Division One match against Glamorgan Dragons at New Road.

County officials are hoping the possibility of showers will not ruin what they see as a chance of clinching a relegation-easing victory in front of a bumper crowd.

Worcestershire's director of cricket Tom Moody said: "I think the toss is likely to be important. We've seen how moisture can play a part in these games and unless the evening is balmy, which looks unlikely, that could be a significant factor."

The County are expected to be unchanged from the side which pulled off an impressive 79 runs National League win over high-riding Surrey Lions at Guildford on Sunday.

They are currently in the third from bottom relegation spot with just 12 points from eight games.

Leicestershire, Warwickshire and Essex are above them four points better off. Leicestershire and Essex have played a game more.

Moody said: "We've had good one-day form for 18 months but we struggled a little while we had our injury problems. Now those are resolved, I'd expect us to rediscover our best form."

Meanwhile, after the opening day was washed out by rain, Hereford and Cheshire made up for lost time yesterday in their Minor Counties Western Division match at Boughton Hall, Cheshire.

After being put in, Cheshire were ripped out for just 158 with Jason Whittaker hitting an undefeated 49. Paceman Martin McCague did the damage by taking 7-68 - a Herefordshire record against Cheshire.

Herefordshire, however, were soon in serious trouble when they launched their reply and at the close were 81-9. Medium-paceer Whittaker followed up his fine batting display grabbing 7-31.