County Championship Division Two: Worcestershire take control against Glamorgan
Worcestershire pile on the runs; Sussex and Leicestershire on top
Monday 9 May 2016 11:04, UK
Moeen Ali made a timely half century for Worcestershire, as unbeaten centuries from Brett D’Oliviera and Joe Clarke put the hosts in charge of their Specsavers Country Championship Division Two match against Glamorgan.
Ali, looking to be part of England's squad for the forthcoming test series against Sri Lanka, made 55 before being caught behind off the bowling of Graham Wagg as Worcestershire reached 343-2 at the close.
After losing captain Daryl Mitchell early in their innings for just three, Ali struck 10 boundaries in a second-wicket stand of 108 with opener Brett D'Oliveira.
D'Oliveira and Ali continued to pile on the runs after Ali's dismissal at Sophia Gardens, reaching a career-best 152 not out at stumps as part of an unbroken 209 run stand with Clarke (105 not out).
Hamish Marshall led the Gloucestershire recovery with a vital century after the visitors made a dreadful start with the bat against Kent.
Two early wickets apiece for Mitchell Claydon (3-73) and Darren Stevens (3-60) left the hosts reeling at 17-4 after winning the toss, only for Marshall to steady the ship with 112 runs off 202 balls at Canterbury.
Marshall was assisted by a 52 from Jack Taylor and runs from George Hawkins (45), lifting Gloucestershire to 296-9 at stumps
Elsewhere, Lewis Hatchett took season-best figures of 5-58 to leave Sussex on top after day one away at Derbyshire.
Shiv Thakor top-scored for the hosts with an unbeaten 36 as Billy Goldleman's side were bowled out for 191, before Chris Nash and Ed Joyce made a fast start to Sussex's reply.
The pair reached 71 when Nash was trapped LBW by Thakor, before the visitors ended the day on 83-1 with Joyce unbeaten on 42.
Neil Dexter fell just short of a second century in as many home matches as Leicestershire took control and reached 311-5 against Northamptonshire.
The 31-year-old, who made a ton at Grace Road against Kent last month, appeared well-set on 98 when Mohammad Azharullah dismissed him LBW.
Dexter and Angus Robson (56) put the hosts in charge with a second-wicket stand of 143, while Rory Kleinveldt (2-41) was the pick of the bowlers for the visitors.
