WORCESTERSHIRE triumphed by 69 runs at Surrey in the Image Company Home Counties Over 60s Championship.

The county won the toss and elected to bat first at St John's School, Leatherhead.

John Shepherd and Keith Middleton gave Worcestershire an excellent start with an opening partnership of 79 off 24 overs.

This was despite accurate bowling from John Kershaw, who only conceded 21 runs in his nine overs.

Middleton was dismissed by Hugh Symes for a sound 32 and was replaced by John Iggulden, who struggled to score in his early overs at the crease.

But Shepherd increased his run-rate and powered to his century with 15 fours and one six.

It was the first ton by any player for the County's over 60s who are in their second year.

Immediately after reaching the milestone and adding 99 with Iggulden, Shepherd was dismissed for 102 and was followed back to the pavilion by Brian Scott after a brief flurry of runs.

Chris Taylor then came to the wicket and accumulated a speedy 26 not out to enable Worcestershire to total 216-3 off their 45 overs. Iggulden remained not out with 28.

The home side struggled against the County opening attack of Cliff Rawlings and Trevor Knowles.

Surrey lost their first wicket to a smart direct-hit run-out by the alert Knowles in the fifth over.

Knowles (2-26) then claimed two wickets and Rawlings (1-30) one as the score slumped to 29-4.

Surrey's Roger Price helped Mike Plumridge to add 55 before Martin Mudway dismissed the latter for a hard-hit 55, smartly stumped by wicketkeeper Roger Price.

Mudway (2-16) claimed a second wicket and, with Martin Woodward (1-14) and Gerald Wadley (1-13) picking up wickets and a direct-hit run-out by Woodward, the home side collapsed to 94-9.

The visitors, by then certain to win, took their foot off the pedal.

They allowed Colin Sharp (27no) and Tony Leslie (21no) to add an unbroken 53 as Surrey finished on 147-9, giving Worcestershire victory by 69 runs.