Bob Willis Trophy: Worcestershire pegged back by Glamorgan's Root

The old ball did not dim Joe Leach's efforts against Glamorgan

Worcestershire lead Glamorgan by 179 runs on 98-2 going into the final day at New Road.

Daryl Mitchell and Jake Libby built carefully on a home advantage of 81 to set up a potential declaration.

Glamorgan scrambled to 374 all out after a superb spell of four for three from home captain Joe Leach threatened to wreck their innings.

Billy Root's patient 118 anchored the comeback as he added 118 with Graham Wagg (54).

Leach's effort to rip out the middle order was all the more commendable for its timing with the old ball, but Root's application and Wagg's busy innings restored some momentum to a flagging visitors' effort.

Worcestershire regained control of the game in the final session despite two late wickets, and will hope the pitch deteriorates on the final day.

Worcestershire captain Joe Leach told BBC Hereford & Worcester:

"It's hard work for the bowlers, not necessarily the batters out there but it's been a really good cricket pitch with a bit more pace and carry than we've seen in the last few years here.

"All you can hope for as a bowler is that the nicks carry and they've certainly done that. I feel as if I've backed up most of my spells pretty well to get the rewards you feel you deserve, I've had two four-wicket spells so we keep trucking and see where it takes us.

"We just wanted to play the evening session and see where it took us, it's a good wicket but we've made most of the running in this game so we'll see what the day brings."

Glamorgan batsman Billy Root told BBC Sport Wales:

"We were a long way behind in the game but Graham Wagg got the boys round at the start and said there was still a lot of work to do, and in true Waggy fashion he stood up with a great knock.

"It was a tough first hour but as attritional as it was, I felt I had to stay there. It's not usually how I would play but you've got to adapt.

"It could be a great final day on that pitch, taking a bit of spin, they could set us something and it could be really interesting. They'll probably have a go, and depending on how generous (any declaration) is, we'll have a go."