WORCESTERSHIRE director of cricket Steve Rhodes was a happy man after his side ended their long wait for a County Championship Division One success.

Not since the victory over Yorkshire in August 2007 had the County enjoyed a win in top-flight cricket.

But, after chasing down 254 against Nottinghamshire at New Road, Worcestershire secured their first Division One victory in 27 matches.

Young opener Matt Pardoe hit 54, while the experienced Vikram Solanki fired 85 before stand-in captain Moeen Ali and Alexei Kervezee steered the County home.

“The victory tasted nice,” smiled Rhodes. “We’ve played good cricket on the way but have not been able to keep up the focus for four days.

“Pardoe set us up so we could make a plan on how we wanted to get the runs. The lads, especially Vikram and Pards after tea, did what we wanted and we got in Gareth Andrew when we needed.

“The other lads finished it off beautifully. Kervezee and Moeen showed their class as very talented young players.”

Rhodes hopes his side can kick on from this success but they must wait until June 18 before their next championship game as the Friends Life t20 begins tomorrow at Lancashire Lightning.

“This win will give them a lot of confidence,” he added.

“There is definitely a lot of joy and relief in that dressing room. They are a young side, it does affect confidence when you get in good positions and don’t quite nail it.

“Hopefully, this will be the point in their careers when they think they can go out and win games.”

Australian all-rounder Damien Wright will have a scan on his injured calf today.

Bangladesh’s Shakib Al Hasan is to miss the first t20 game due to visa issues but should be available for Sunday’s match with Durham.