Worcestershire Under-17s hit back during the second half of the opening day of the Specsavers County Championship match with Hampshire Under-17s at Totton and Eling CC.
The County were 46-5 at one stage but partially recovered thanks to a string of useful partnerships – and a top score of 38 from number nine Charlie Williams – to reach 181 all out from 61.3 overs.
The new ball Worcestershire attack of Williams and George Marshall then reduced Hampshire to 25-3 before they closed on 74-3.
Worcestershire opted to bat but lost early wickets with Dan Holland (2), Alex Hinkley (9), Pete Clark (0) and Ollie Walker (7) falling cheaply.
Opener Rehan Edavaleth battled away to make 22 off 55 balls with five boundaries before he was fifth out at 46.
Joe Miszkowski (19) and wicket-keeper Henry Cullen added 33 until the former was dismissed just before lunch which was taken at 82-6.
Cullen moved onto 29 from 53 deliveries with six boundaries and was seventh out at 103 and Aaron Thomson (18) followed 21 runs later.
The best stand of the innings saw Williams and Josh Baker (19 not out) add 49 for the ninth wicket.
Williams then got to work with the ball and ended the day with figures of 7-2-15-2 while new ball partner Marshall returned 7-4-13-1.
