GLAMORGAN are closing in on a convincing victory after enjoying a successful day at Sophia Gardens against Worcestershire in their County Championship clash.

Michael Neser's 86 helped the hosts build a lead of 149 runs before lunch on day 2 before pace bowler Tim van der Gugten rattled through the Worcestershire top order in the afternoon session to help his side take firm control of the contest.

Day 2 started in perfect fashion for the visitors as Finch picked up his fourth wicket of the innings when Billy Root (28) played at one that Jack Haynes caught.

Seven wickets down, Worcestershire were closing in but in Michael Neser, Glamorgan saw their lead grow past the 100-run mark.

Timm van der Gugten joined the Australian at the crease when Root was dismissed and the pair made steady progress, eventually reaching the 50 partnership as Worcestershire struggled to make inroads.

After plenty of seam, captain D'Oliveira brought himself into the attack with a bit of off-spin and that move paid off inside his second over as van der Gugten, having faced 59 deliveries, was caught by Gareth Roderick for 19.

Finch then completed his first-ever first-class five-for with a terrific delivery to dismiss James Harris (0) for the ninth wicket and Michael Neser's brilliant knock came to an end when he played one straight to Taylor Cornall for 86 and that brought an end to the innings.

Glamorgan had a lead of 149 as Ed Pollock and Cornall came to the crease for just the single over before lunch, which the former came through unscathed without adding a run.

But just as they did in the first innings, the Worcestershire openers did not last long and both were dismissed inside two overs after the interval. Cornall was caught off van der Gugten for 6 before the same bowler trapped Pollock LBW for 9.

Azhar Ali was now at the crease with Jack Haynes as both tried to stabilise the innings, but the latter lasted just 30 deliveries before he was LBW to Jamie McIlroy for 14.

Adam Hose was next in and he wasted no time in trying to put runs on the board and he managed a quickfire 35, including seven boundaries, off just 34 balls before he was bowled by McIlroy.

At 98-4, Worcestershire were in an ok position and still had the experienced Ali at the crease alongside the captain Brett D'Oliveira. But whilst Azhar looked composed at one end, the skipper was soon back on his way to the pavilion as he edged one through to Chris Cooke for a couple of runs. 

Glamorgan's van der Gugten claimed his fourth of the afternoon session two overs later as he picked up the key wicket of Ali, who was struck on the pads and given out for 34.

Matthew Waite and Gareth Roderick, at the time of print, were digging in for the Pears and managed to get Worcestershire ahead in the game as they built a partnership but Worcestershire remain very much up against it going into day 3.