Paceman Charlie Morris claimed two wickets but Worcestershire encountered stubborn resistance from Hampshire and in particular opener Michael Carberry on the final day of the LV = County Championship match at New Road.
Morris removed Will Smith and James Vince in a lively spell from the New Road end. But Carberry reached 67 not out and was partnered in an unbroken stand of 59 with Glenn Maxwell (38) as Hampshire reached 147-3 by the interval – just 36 short of making Worcestershire bat again.
Hampshire resumed on 31-1 but in effect they were two wickets down as spinner and overnight nightwatchman Danny Briggs had returned south for the impending birth of his first child.
Smith replaced Briggs at the crease with Carberry looking to build on his overnight 22 not out. Spinner Saeed Ajmal was immediately introduced into the attack after his seven wicket haul in the first innings.
Carberry looked in good form and square cut and square drove Jack Shantry for boundaries. A cut for four off Ajmal brought up the 50 in the 24th over.
Morris replaced Shantry at 66-1 and immediately made a breakthrough when Smith (11) shouldered arms and was bowled.
James Vince looked in good nick but after making 16 he became the second victim of the morning for Morris. The Hampshire vice-captain drove at Morris and was trapped lbw for 16 to leave Hampshire on 88-3.
Maxwell had a slice of good fortune when he played back to Ajmal and nicked the ball for four to bring up the 100 in the 35th over. Carberry reached his half century off 106 balls with 10 fours out of 111-3.
Maxwell played with typical freedom and the 50 partnership with Carberry came up in only 11 overs.
Carberry had a slice of luck when he edged Shaaiq Choudhry for four after the spinner was introduced into the attack in the penultimate over before lunch.
