WORCESTERSHIRE are today hoping to reap the benefit of Ben Smith's free-scoring start to his reign as captain in the Frizzell County Championship division two match against Hampshire at New Road.

His victory-seeking side went into the final day with a healthy 236 lead with five second innings wickets intact.

On-song Smith, a century-maker in his first knock, followed up yesterday with a confident 82 to help hoist the County to 187-5 by the close last night.

After being dropped while on eight, he steadily set to work on the Hampshire attack after Anurag Singh and Graeme Hick had been dismissed cheaply.

Opener Stephen Peters' departure for 24 failed to unsettle determined Smith's concentration as he went on to figure in a valuable stand worth 97 in 25 overs with Vikram Solanki, who made 45.

Smith was eventually removed shortly before the close last night after he had cracked 15 fours off 121 deliveries. His and Solanki's efforts beefed up the earlier pace bowling contributions of Nantie Hayward and Kabir Ali who took four wickets each to help dismiss Hants for 347.

They had resumed on 267-5 in reply to the County's 396.

Newcomer Hayward marked his debut by claiming 4-95 -- an encouraging start for the South African who is strongly tipped by Worcestershire's director of cricket Tom Moody to play a major role in the club's bid for promotion.

He said: "Nantie is going to be a great asset to the team. He gives us a real speed angle to our attack.

"We have a good attack as it is but he has introduced a new element which is raw pace.

"I'm sure he's going to be a great asset to the team and is also going to be good entertainment for the members."

Kabir backed up Hayward by taking 4-74 while the County's other new paceman Mark Harrity nipped in with a wicket by capturing last man Ed Giddins.

No-one, however, was able to halt the progress of Hampshire wicketkeeper Nick Pothas who resumed his maiden Championship century on 110. He was finally undefeated on 146 which included two sixes and 23 fours off 279 balls.