WORCESTERSHIRE'S batting again failed to last the day in Specsavers County Championship Division Two.

The second-from-bottom County were bowled out for 205 in 70 overs by Glamorgan at Blackfinch New Road after an uncontested toss.

Fourth-placed Glamorgan were in a position of strength but lost wickets in the reply to finish the first day on 44-2.

Only Daryl Mitchell (36), in his 200th first-class game for the County, Riki Wessels, with a expansive 45, and Ed Barnard (29 not out) offered much resistance in another below-par batting performance from the hosts.

Veteran Michael Hogan claimed 4-36 and fit-again Timm van der Gugten 3-44 including the prized scalp of England all-rounder Moeen Ali for 18.

Hogan had taken 5-62 against the same opponents in the corresponding fixture at Cardiff in late June.

The inability of Worcestershire's top five to score consistently has been a prime reason for a disappointing red-ball campaign in contrast to Rapids' success in the Vitality Blast where they have booked another spot at T20 finals day on Saturday, September 21.

Glamorgan’s focus is on achieving promotion for the first time since 2004.

Although Nick Selman (6) and Tom Cullen (10) departed cheaply, by the close West Indies batsman Kraigg Brathwaite had moved on to a patient 15 on his Glamorgan debut.

Hogan made the first breakthrough when bowling returning New Zealander Hamish Rutherford (19) after beating his defensive push.

Moeen had scored a hundred against Sussex Sharks in Friday’s Blast quarter-final win at Hove.

But he managed only 18 in the Championship before falling victim to van der Gugten after driving hard at the paceman and edging to Selman who held on to a low chance at third slip.

Mitchell needed 24 balls to get off the mark but looked solid in defence in batting through the morning session for an unbeaten 31.

But the visitors' attack turned the screw once Hogan had returned to dismiss Mitchell in the second over after the resumption.

He dabbed at a fine delivery and only succeeded in nicking through to wicketkeeper Chris Cooke to end his 103-ball knock.

Alex Milton (12) provided Cooke with another catch off Lukas Carey and then Jack Haynes (17), who shouldered arms, and Ben Cox (7) were both lbw to van der Gugten.

Wessels' innings was a mixture of fine drives and fortuitous edges but always entertaining.

He faced only 35 deliveries and struck eight fours before he drilled Rory Smith straight to mid-off.

Club captain Joe Leach (8) went for an on-drive against Smith and was lbw while Hogan accounted for tail-enders Charlie Morris (9) and Adam Finch (5) to leave Ed Barnard unbeaten.

Glamorgan also encountered some disciplined bowling with Selman falling at first slip off Morris and Cullen aiming a lavish drive at Barnard and being caught behind.