Tuesday 14 April 2015 21:40, UK
David Willey made his maiden first-class century as Northamptonshire took control of their LV= County Championship Division Two clash with Gloucestershire.
Northants recovered from a poor start to the third day at Wantage Road and were eventually able to declare on 416-8 in the evening.
And Gloucester then reached 35-0 at the close, as they began chasing a huge 454 to win.
Leading by 37 on first innings, the hosts began the day on 68-2 and stumbled along to 110-5 before the foundations for recovery were laid by Rob Keogh (81) and Josh Cobb (58).
The pair batted with caution and responsibility to add 101 for the sixth wicket before Willey gave another reminder of his huge talent.
The 25-year-old, who struggled with injuries last year, was particularly devastating after tea and reached his ton off just 79 balls, with seven fours and six sixes, finishing on 104 not out.
He found a willing partner in South African overseas player Rory Kleinveldt, who made 48 in 52 balls and helped add 115 for the eighth wicket.
He was dropped twice however, and it was a day of missed chances for Gloucestershire, Chris Dent having put down an easy chance at second slip when Cobb had made just two.
However, the visitors did survive a tricky 15-over period at the end of the day, Dent hitting some attractive drives as he reached 22 not out, while Will Tavare finished unbeaten on 13.
At Grace Road, Ned Eckersley of Leicestershire made a composed 147 to match his first class career best, as the hosts made 435 in their first innings against Glamorgan.
And Leicestershire then increased the chances of a positive result by reducing Glamorgan to 47-3 at stumps, a lead of 125 with one day remaining.
Replying to 513-9 declared, Leicestershire began the day on 202-1 but Angus Robson was soon bowled for 83 by a fine delivery from Craig Meschede (3-68).
However, Ecklersley reached 147 before he too fell to Meschede, adding 86 for the third wicket with captain Mark Cosgrove (33).
Leicestershire wicketkeeper Niall O’Brien also played well for 70 not out before on loan seamer Andy Carter (4-95) mopped up the tail.
A draw looked hot favourite but two late strikes from Charlie Shreck and a wicket from Tom Wells left the match quite nicely poised, James Kettleborough (13), Jacques Rudolph (15) and Will Bragg (six) the men dismissed.
