Richard Oliver fell one run short of his third LV = County Championship century for Worcestershire but helped put his side in a strong position on the second day against Nottinghamshire at Trent Bridge.
Oliver, who resumed on 52, moved to 99 but was then caught behind by Chris Read off spinner Samit Patel out of 160-3.
The left hander hit 13 fours and a six in his 173 ball knock and added 71 in 24 overs for the third wicket with Tom Fell.
Fell continued his recent good form – he was the first Worcestershire player to pass 500 LV = CC runs this summer – as Worcestershire moved onto 196-3 at lunch.
Fell was then unbeaten on 43 and Alex Gidman 13 not out.
The visitors resumed on 89-2 from 28.5 overs in reply to Nottinghamshire's 240 with Fell new to the crease after nightwatchman Charlie Morris fell to the final ball of the opening day.
Nottinghamshire were a bowler light as Luke Fletcher was side-lined with a hamstring strain suffered yesterday while Andy Carter was unable to bowl for the first hour because of a side injury.
Oliver was quickly into his stride and cover drove Brett Hutton for four to bring up the Worcestershire 100 in the 32nd over.
Fell was watchful and got off the mark from his 23rd delivery with a steer to third man for four off Ben Hilfenhaus.
The scoring rate gradually increased and Oliver lofted Patel for six to move into the 50s and bring up the 50 partnership with Fell.
A fine drive for four by Fell off Hilfenhaus steered Worcestershire past the 150 mark in the 50th over.
After Oliver's dismissal, new batsman Alex Gidman got off the mark first ball with a boundary at Patel's expense.
The first three scoring shots from the former Gloucestershire batsman went to the ropes.
His partnership with Fell has so far been worth 36 in just 8.3 overs.
