Foster century puts Essex on top

COUNTY CHAMPIONSHIP DIVISION TWO, Bristol (day two, close):
Gloucestershire 72-3 v Essex 510

Match scorecard

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James Foster followed Varun Chopra's first-day century with one of his own as Essex took firm control of their Division Two match at Gloucestershire.

Resuming on 68, Foster piled on the runs, hitting nine fours in his 192-ball innings of 122 in Essex's 510.

James Middlebrook also contributed a fine 75 on a docile pitch, while Rob Woodman marked his debut with 4-65.

Gloucestershire then struggled to 72-3 in reply, with Will Porterfield unbeaten on a dogged 31 from 100 balls.

The Essex attack was missing Danish Kaneria, Graham Napier and David Masters but Gloucestershire still found themselves in trouble at 49-3 in the 25th over, with Kadeer Ali the first to go when he was leg before to Tony Palladino for six.

Hamish Marshall was dismissed for 13 when he shouldered arms to Jahid Ahmed and was bowled, and Woodman's first innings for Gloucestershire ended in tame fashion when he cut loosely at Chris Wright and Jaik Mickleburgh took a straightforward catch at point.

Only another six overs were possible before umpires Peter Willey and Tim Robinson took the players off shortly after 1700 BST.