A record-breaking partnership between Ethan Brookes and Gareth Roderick proved crucial in securing Worcestershire's Vitality County Championship top-flight spot for 2025.

Brookes, who moved from Warwickshire, hit his first century, while Roderick hit a brilliant 94, securing a crucial batting point against Hampshire at the Ageas Bowl.

This, along with the three points for bowling Hampshire out for 462, puts Worcestershire out of reach of Lancashire, who are second from bottom.

Read more: Worcestershire CEO celebrates as Pears secure top flight status

The pair came together when the Pears were struggling at 61-5 following the quickfire dismissals of Jake Libby (0), Kashif Ali (0), Rob Jones (4), Adam Hose (1), and captain Brett D'Oliveira (19).

Roderick and Brookes combined for a 196-run stand, surpassing the previous sixth-wicket best by Worcestershire against Hampshire, which was set 124 years ago.

This achievement caps off a good season for the Pears, who were promoted from Division Two just last year.

The team has faced numerous challenges, including eight floods at their home ground, the death of young spinner Josh Baker, and a long injury list.

Despite these setbacks, the team has shown resilience, notably in securing key away wins against Durham and Essex.

Brookes has made a big impact since his move from Warwickshire, shining in all three formats of the game.

Roderick, who has been a consistent performer throughout the summer, again proved his worth when it was most needed, reaching his half-century from 83 balls with eight boundaries.

All-rounder Brookes reached his 50 from just 52 deliveries with nine fours.

The duo hit their 100 in just 135 balls, and the Pears reached 179-5 from 46 overs.

Brookes got lucky on 76 with a reverse sweep on Felix Organ that was dropped at deep backward square leg, but went on to reach three figures when he swept spinner Organ to third man.

Roderick unfortunately could not join him at the hundred mark, going lbw to Organ on 94.

Brookes' brilliance came to an end on 132, when his reverse sweep was caught at backward of square off by Dawson, having faced 154 balls and bit 23 boundaries.