Harry Podmore took the only wicket of the day as Gloucestershire fought back to close Day Three on 224-2, trailing Derbyshire by 236 runs at Bristol.
The early wicket gave Derbyshire hope of dismissing the hosts cheaply after posting 460 in their first innings. But James Bracey (82 not out) and George Hankins (79 not out) were unbeaten as rain forced an early close on Day Three.
Podmore struck in the third over of the morning, bowling Benny Howell for 36 and bringing Hankins to the crease to join wicketkeeper-batsman Bracey. The two 20-year-olds built a platform and led the Gloucestershire fightback, spoiling Derbyshire’s hopes of a healthy first innings lead.
By the time persistent rain arrived, forcing an early end to the day’s play, the pair had put on an unbeaten 170-run partnership, leaving Gloucestershire on 224-2, trailing Derbyshire by 236 runs heading into the final day.
First XI Support Coach, Stephen Stubbings said: “We didn’t bowl as well as we would have liked. Our intention was to take some early wickets and try and put them under pressure, but we bowled too many four balls.
“We did better after lunch and at least asked some questions. It’s down to the weather now and maybe we can work something out and still have an interesting last day. It will all depend on the state of the ground when we turn up in the morning.”
One great price, again. Membership 2018 will go on sale in October. Buy your Membership early and save with our Early Bird offer. For more information, please email [email protected].
