WORCESTERSHIRE fielded a full-strength team and got in some more valuable practice when they played Herefordshire at Colwall yesterday in a benefit match for all-rounder David Leatherdale.

The County racked up 282-5 in their 45 overs with skipper Ben Smith leading the way, hitting 78 off just 55 balls before retiring, hitting eight fours and three sixes.

Anurag Singh struck 71 including 10 fours, Vikram Solanki 32 and Graeme Hick 20 with Shahid Ahmed the leading Herefordshire bowler with 2-54.

Herefordshire reached 124-6 off 37 overs in reply before play was halted due to poor light and drizzle. Kabir Ali was the County's top bowler with 2-13, while newcomer Mark Harrity took 1-20.

Richard Hall was Herefordshire's leading batsman with 44, while Kadeer Ali, guesting for the home side, hit 25.

The County play an inter-squad friendly at Ombersley on Wednesday before starting their Championship programme on Friday with a home game against Hampshire at New Road.