Nathan Buck led the Northamptonshire attack with an incredible triple wicket maiden to set up an interestingly poised final day after rain washed out most of Day 3.
Worcestershire were set to resume on 154/6 before the start was delayed with rain falling throughout the morning, with an early lunch taken around 12:30.
Fell and Cornall did eventually get to continue their partnership, enjoying an early flurry of boundaries before Fell was caught behind off the bowling of Gowler.
Nathan Buck then changed the course of the game, taking a triple wicket maiden over to dismiss Cornall, Roderick and Banton. Cornall gloved a short ball down the legside to be well taken by Gouldstone, Roderick offered the keeper a simpler chance with a regulation edge before Banton’s off stump went cartwheeling through the gate.
Gowler quickly followed this up by taking Mohammed lbw for 0 in the next over, Worcestershire losing 5 wickets for 4 runs in just three overs to put Northamptonshire in a great position.
Cullen joined Kashif Ali in the middle to form a stern partnership for Worcestershire to steady the ship. The pair batted well, driving the Worcestershire score up through the afternoon until James Cronie caught Cullen off the bowling of Hares to end the partnership on 84.
Roshan Balaji joined Kashif Ali to see the latter post an impressive half century in just 64 balls.
Rain then took the players off again, forcing an early tea just after 3pm. The rain continued relentlessly too, and end of day was called a couple of hours later. Worcestershire finish day three 154-6 with a lead of 229 heading into the final day.
Worcestershire 2XI 300 (White 4/27, Russel 2/32) & 154/6 (Buck 3/18)
Northamptonshire 2XI 225 (Curran 109, Buck 26)