WORCESTERSHIRE'S batsmen helped capitalise on a spirited bowling display in the Pears' local derby against Warwickshire.

It had been hard work for the seamers in the Warwickshire first innings, with Will Rhodes making 207 from 328 balls, ably supported by Sam Hain and Dan Mousley.

However, a late burst of wickets from Charlie Morris, who ended up with 5-80 and Ed Barnard, with 2-84, saw the Bears declare on 355-9 after Oliver Hannon-Dalby was hit while batting.

Rhodes extended his overnight 142 not out - already a career best - to 207 before he became one of five victims of Morris.

The 25-year-old helped Warwickshire secure three batting points as they reached 355 for 9 declared shortly after lunch.

Worcestershire then came into bat and, on a sluggish pitch, ended the day on 170-0.

Daryl Mitchell made a patient 85 from 183 balls, including 10 fours and Jake Libby made 80 from 167 deliveries with seven boundaries.

The pitch, which had been described as "sluggish" by Warwickshire batsman Sam Hain, has offered little to the bowlers throughout and the draw appears the most likely result with uncertain weather forecast for this week.

Resuming on 228-3, Warwickshire stepped up the pace, looking to get the quick runs required to make their batting bonus points.

Rhodes took 12 off a Leach over, bringing up the 250 at the same time.

Dan Mousley, playing only his second first-class match, hit five fours before edging through to Cox, who took another catch off Barnard in the following over to remove Michael Burgess.

That sparked a mini-collapse as Warwickshire fell to 355-9 before their declaration.

Tim Bresnan made 17 before he was caught by Libby off Morris at square leg, Rhodes was caught behind by Cox and Craig Miles was caught by Brett D'Oliveira at midwicket to give Morris his five-fer.

With the bat, Libby and Mitchell made serene progress, both continuing their recent good form with a pair of 80s.

Mitchell was first to reach his half century, arriving there from 103 balls, before Libby reached the same milestone shortly after from 122 balls.