ASSISTANT coach Matt Mason says Worcestershire’s opening LV= County Championship Division One clash against Yorkshire is evenly poised.

Worcestershire were dismissed for 311 and champions Yorkshire will resume their first innings on 298-9 when play gets under way at New Road at 11am.

Gareth Andrew and Jack Shantry picked up four wickets apiece yesterday as Tim Bresnan finished unbeaten on 78 at the end of the second day.

Andrew, who had earlier made 59, returned 4-81 from 20 overs and Shantry took 4-60 from 21 overs.

Mason, who is also Worcestershire’s fast-bowling coach, said: “It was a tough day’s cricket and I think both teams fought really hard.

“We did a really good job to get over the 300-run mark and then we had a great start with the ball, as Yorkshire did, with a couple of quick wickets before a partnership formed.

“But we hung in there. It’s a good wicket – it’s a really good wicket to bat on and it can be tough with the newer ball but once you’re in it looks like it’s a good time to bat.

“I was pleased we stuck to our guns. I would like to have thought we could have finished them off when we had them at 7 for 190. I thought there was a chance to come away with a lead but Bresnan played a very good innings.”

Mason praised the impact of fit-again all-rounder Andrew.

“Gareth has had a really good game so far and it’s great to see him back out there bowling and he’s got through around 20 overs and he feels good among the wickets,” he said.

“Things happen with Gaz - whether it’s with the bat or ball and he’s an integral part of our side and it’s great to have him back.”

But Mason admitted there wasn’t as much turn in the New Road pitch as he had anticipated.

“It was only day two but we thought it was dry enough that it might spin a little bit but there wasn’t a lot for our two spinners,” he said. “ Maybe on day four they might come into the game.

“Finishing Yorkshire off early is the plan and then we have to bat very, very well.”

He continued: “Maybe 300 is not far away from a par score. Both teams would probably say there’s been some good batting and some loose batting which is indicative of the start to the season with guys a little bit nervous.

“It’s evenly poised and it’s going to be a really good game. The important third innings of the match will go a long way to deciding the outcome.”