County Championship Division Two, Northampton, day one of four (stumps): Northamptonshire 196 v Worcestershire 139-6
Graeme Swann hit back with four wickets for Northants as 16 wickets fell on the opening day of the title battle.
Worcestershire looked to be on top as Simon Peters (69) led them to 109-2 in reply to the hosts' low score.
But they lost four wickets for 25 runs late in the day with Swann (4-56) doing the damage.
Earlier, Northants never recovered after falling to 10-2 when openers Mike Hussey and Tim Roberts fell cheaply.
England spinner Gareth Batty was one of three multiple wicket-takers for the visitors, leading the way with figures of 4-53.
A draw in this match will be enough for Worcestershire to be promoted as champions, but Northants must win to do so.
Northamptonshire: M E K Hussey (Capt), T W Roberts, P A Jaques,
D J G Sales, M J Powell, J W Cook, T M B Bailey (Wkt), G P Swann
M J Cawdron, M S Panesar, J F Brown.
Worcestershire: S D Peters, V S Solanki, Kadeer Ali, G A Hick
B F Smith (Capt), D A Leatherdale, G J Batty, D J Pipe (Wkt)
S A Khalid, M S Mason, M Hayward.
MMIX
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