91Èȱ¬

Gareth Roderick hit an unbeaten 88 to cement Gloucestershire's advantage after they bowled out Division Two leaders Worcestershire for just 194.

Batting at number three, he made his best score of the season and shared an unbroken stand of 138 with Alex Gidman, who was 57 not out in their 181-2.

Craig Miles had earlier taken 4-54 and Liam Norwell and Benny Howell three wickets apiece as the hosts crumbled.

The visitors were without Will Gidman, but gave a debut to Mark Craig.

The New Zealander's signing was announced earlier in the day, along with the news that Gidman was joining Nottinghamshire next season and was being rested for the match at New Road because of "on-going niggles", according the club's physiotherapist Steve Griffin.

Richard Oliver hit 12 fours in a run-a-ball 52 for Worcestershire, who began the game 43 points clear at the top, and Alexei Kervezee made 31, but six other batsmen fell for single figures as the entire innings only lasted to the 52nd over.

Worcestershire assistant coach Matt Mason:

"It was probably our most disappointing day of the season so far. We were put in and it was tough to bat early on.

"Richard Oliver acquitted himself well, but everyone else struggled. With the ball, we were disappointing as well, if for once I can criticise the bowlers."

91Èȱ¬ Radio Gloucestershire's Bob Hunt:

"On the day it was announced that Will Gidman was leaving the county, it was pleasing that Gloucestershire had a good day with bat and ball.

"They bowled straight and fast on a helpful pitch with Craig Miles again impressive and then Gareth Roderick, who so easily could have taken five catches and scored a century in the same day, and stand-in captain Alex Gidman batted superbly to leave the visitors in a very strong position."