LONDON. Aug 7: A careerbest 196 not outby Philip We •ton put Worcestershire tn a strong position as they reached 433 for five on the opening day of their county championship match against Northamptonshire on Wednesday, reports Reuter.

The home side began well enough when debutant seam bowler John Blain bowled Tim Curitls for one with the fifth ball of his first over and skip-^er Tom Moody was trapped lbw

Gavin Haynes was dismissed for eight and Reuben Spiring was run out for 35. Butthen Weston joined forces with David Leatherdale at 127 for four to build a formidable fifth-wicket partnership of 241.

Weston reached his 100 off 216 balls with 15 fours, and Leatherdale reached his second century in successive matches in 153 minutes, also with 15 fours.

Leatherdale was eventually out for 110. caught behind playing a tired shot off Tony Pen-berthy.

Middlesex captain Mark Ramprakash was left on 99 not out when rain and bad light cut, short the first day against Hampshire at Lord's. The premature end left Middlesex on 212 for three off 71 overs.

A quickfire 39 from South African Jacques Kallis gave the Middlesex innings a kick-start and Mike Gatting and Ramprakash went on to add 128 for the third wicket.

Gatting fell three short of his half-century after swatting a long-hop from Matthew Hayden to Robin Smith at mid-on.

Lancashire paceman Peter Martin continued his recent run of form to claim six for 46 as Warwickshire were skittled for 139 at Blackpool.

Nell Fair brother (60) and Graham Lloyd (70 not out) then put on 127 in 25 overs to help Lancashire to 194 for three at the close, a lead of 55.

Martin was ably supported by lan Austin, who finished with four for 45.