Nottinghamshire’s Second XI fixture against Gloucestershire at Bristol is set for a competitive finish after the home side declared their first innings 149-runs behind on Day Two.

Ian Cockbain, captaining the West Country outfit, scored a century before declaring with the score on 330-6, Ben Kitt having taken 2 for 68 for a visiting attack that included Andy Carter, his off-spinning younger brother Matt, and the experienced seam duo of Luke Fletcher and Dan Christian.

Notts reached 92-3 in their second innings by the close with first innings centurion Jake Libby having perished for nine, Greg Smith for 26 and Michael Lumb for five.

Gloucestershire’s opening duo of Miles Hammond and Joe Barrett posted 33 for the first wicket before Libby, fresh from his 133 the previous day, took a catch running around from third man to dismiss Barrett, off the bowling of Fletcher, for five.

That brought Cockbain to the crease, who shared in a second wicket stand of 86 with Hammond, the England under 19s opener who passed 50 in 72 balls with nine fours.

The Gloucestershire captain posted his half-century two overs later, in 61 balls with eight fours and a six, only to lose his partner Hammond who was bowled by Carter with the total on 119.

Next came a century stand between Cockbain, whose century came in 125 balls with 16 fours and a six, and George Hankins whose fifty came in 51 balls with seven boundaries.

Fletcher’s catch finally ended Cockbain’s stay on 104, and Andy Carter made it a double breakthrough for Paul Franks’ men when he had Hankins (50) caught by Will Root at backward square-leg; 229-4.

Kitt bowled Jordan Garrett (8) and Sam Wood had James Turpin (9) caught behind as Notts fought back to reduce their hosts to 272-6.

However, an unbroken stand of 58 between Craig Miles (54*) and Patrick Grieshaber (27*) steered Gloucestershire passed the follow-on, after which they declared. 

Notts returned to the crease for their second innings and were quickly reduced to 44-3.

Smith edged Tom Hampton to slip, Libby was caught behind off Josh Smith, Lumb was caught at square-leg - also off Hampton - and it took a steadfast rearguard from Root (29*) and Wood (19*) to steer the visitors to the close at 92-3, leading by 241.

 

 

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