Sussex openers Richard Montgomerie and Murray Goodwin both made centuries to put their side in command after two days of the Cricinfo Championship match against Worcestershire at Horsham.

In contrast to the opening day, when 18 wickets fell, the bat was firmly on top with Sussex establishing a lead of 196 by the close as they reached 242-4 in their second innings.

The first wicket stand was worth 212 - Sussex's highest in the Championship for eight years - and both Montgomerie and Goodwin scored their second centuries of the season.

Goodwin was first to the landmark when he drove Andy Bichel to the cover boundary for his 18th boundary, 11 of which had been scored after he'd reached 50.

He was finally out for 109, caught behind off Alamgir Sheriyar who removed Michael Yardy for two six overs later.

Montgomerie was stranded on 89 for 12 overs after losing Goodwin, but he finally reached three figures in the 80th over when he cut Vikram Solanki through point for his 11th four.

Bichel returned to the attack to trap Bas Zuiderent leg before for eight and have nightwatchman James Kirtley caught behind, but Montgomerie was still there at the close on 108 not out.

Earlier Worcestershire had been bowled out for 183 in their first innings, Steve Rhodes top-scoring with 46 before he was last out.

Kirtley picked up the last two wickets to finish with 5-60 as Worcestershire established a first innings lead of 46.

The ECB had decided before play not to convene a pitch inspection panel following the clatter of wickets on the first day. Operations Manager Alan Fordham said they were "wholly satisfied" with the pitch after consulation with umpires John Steele and John Holder.

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