WORCESTERSHIRE held off a spirited fightback by Herefordshire to book a place in the next round of the Middleton Cup.

After taking an early lead of 15 shots at Kington Bowling Club, Worcesteshire maintained their pressure to increase the lead to 25 shots at 18 ends.

However Herefordshire stage a comeback but Worcester eventually ran out winners by twelve shots to set another Middleton Cup clash with Wiltshire at Gilt Edge, Kidderminster on June 21 at 2pm.