JAMES Cameron fell five runs short of his maiden century as he helped steer Worcestershire to safety on the opening day of their LV= County Championship Division Two match with Surrey.

His gutsy sixth-wicket century stand with Dave Wheeldon helped revive the New Road side's fortunes.

It may not have offered the pyrotechnics of Twenty20 cricket but it was good, honest, old-fashioned cricket that saw the struggling County haul themselves off the floor from 106-5 to 211-6 in 36 watchful overs.

Since returning to the first team with the County, Wheeldon has been grafting away to make sure he does not give his wicket away cheaply and, while many will not want to go at the youngster's pace with the bat, it could be a lesson his colleagues may wish to take on board.

But the opener was given a reprieve early in his four-hour vigil for 65 when Matthew Spriegel put him down on four in the sixth over.

Wheeldon made the most of that let-off as he etched his way to his second half-century of the season from 155 balls, collecting six fours.

However, his innings was brought to a close in the over after tea when a wonderfully disguised slower ball from Jade Dernbach rapped him on the pads to trap him lbw with a low full toss.

While Wheeldon was happy to play the waiting game, his partner Cameron, who had joined the opener just before lunch, played with much more intent.

The Zimbabwean-born all-rounder attacked the Surrey spinners and he reached his third 50 of the campaign the over before Wheeldon did with his coming off 80 balls and including eight fours.

Cameron, who was plucked out of playing Grade cricket in Western Australia over the winter, then went on to hit a career-best 95 before edging Chris Tremlett to the juggling Stewart Walters, who took the catch at the third attempt.

It was a fine effort from the former Zimbabwe Under 19 international as Worcestershire were in danger of being bowled out before the tea break.

Former Worcestershire spinner Gareth Batty picked up three wickets with ex-England pace bowler Tremlett claiming four.

For the New Road side to reach 308 was a testament to Cameron and Wheeldon. New captain Daryl Mitchell, who was unable to continue his rich vein of form with the bat, will look to his bowlers to show the same resilience tomorrow.

Having had three overs at Surrey tonight, the visitors closed on 12-0 with Tom Lancefield unbeaten on seven.