Glamorgan slump after Middlebrook knock

James Middlebrook struck 70 as Northamptonshire moved themselves into a winning position on the third day of their Division Two match against Glamorgan. Middlebrook top-scored with Northamptonshire making 292 all out in their first innings - opening up an overall lead of 158.

In their second innings, Glamorgan were reduced to 71 for 4 before finally ending the day still 62 behind.

Northamptonshire had resumed their first innings on 145 for 5, a lead of 11 after only 17.1 overs were possible on the second day. Andrew Hall and Middlebrook batted for the first 90 minutes of the third morning taking the visitors past 200 to register a batting point. But the sixth-wicket pair, who added 60, were separated when Hall drove Mike Reed straight to Ben Wright at point.

Northamptonshire had reached 218 for 6 by lunch - a lead of 84 - boosted by a pull for six over backward square by Middlebrook off Graham Wagg. Middlebrook cleared the rope again after lunch striking slow left armer Dean Cosker for his second six as he moved into the 40s.

Glamorgan took the second new ball and Michael Hogan broke through almost immediately to have David Murphy caught at slip. After a rain break Wagg claimed the last three wickets in the space of 13 balls as Northamptonshire were dismissed for 292. First he bowled David Willey before trapping Stephen Crook lbw for eight and then having Middlebrook at slip by Allenby.

Glamorgan openers Ben Wright and Will Bragg survived until tea. Bragg batted with Cosker as a runner after not fielding for most of the day. The openers batted well until both perished in the space of only five balls.

Bragg was trapped leg-before to Willey before Wright edged a rising Hall delivery to Trent Copeland at first slip. And former Australian international Marcus North failed for a second time, edging a good Crook delivery behind as Glamorgan slumped to 69 for 3.

Stewart Walters then fell to a sharp catch by wicket-keeper Murphy standing up to Hall, meaning four wickets had fallen for the addition of only nine runs. Jim Allenby and Murray Goodwin, who scored 3 from 41 balls, took Glamorgan to the close without any further scares.