Painstaking Howell achieves maiden century

Benny Howell helped himself to a first ever first-class century as Gloucestershire moved into a position of strength at the end of the third day of their Division Two game against Leicestershire at Cheltenham.

Without so much as a first-class half-century this summer and with a previous best of 83 not out back in 2012, Howell posted three figures for the first time in his career on the penultimate day of the Cheltenham Festival.

It was an innings of real grit and determination from the 26-year-old on a day when Leicestershire were left to wonder what might have been had wicket keeper Lewis Hill have held on to a catch from Michael Klinger in the first hour.

Klinger, despite losing third wicket partner Gareth Roderick for 19, passed 50 shortly after lunch. However, having reached 60, the Australian, who was standing in as captain for the injured Ian Cockbain, edged Charlie Shreck to a grateful Hill, at 131 for 4.

Leicestershire, sensing their opportunity, continued to bowl with purpose thereafter as Howell and Kieran Noema-Barnett did their bit to nudge the total forward.

The fifth wicket pair passed 150 in the 74th over and put the host county in a strong position at tea.

Howell, who recognised his responsibility in the absence of Cockbain, dropped anchor and batted with genuine care and attention before the new ball was taken, by Mark Cosgrove, in the 81st over.

With Noema-Barnett providing solid support, Howell pushed on and eventually reached his 50 off 156 balls, with four fours and one six.

After tea, and with the wicket playing as well as it had done at any time over the first three days, Noema-Barnett celebrated his first 50 in Gloucestershire colours, off 86 balls and with Howell put on 139 for the fifth wicket before chipping a half volley from Shreck to extra cover.

Having celebrated his 100, off 202 balls, Howell, who hit 12 fours and a six, was out off the very next ball, lbw to Clint McKay for 102.

Gloucestershire's late order added valuable runs in the final session before their second innings finally came to an end when Liam Norwell was caught behind off Raine. Shreck was the pick of the bowlers, finishing with 5 for 82 from 34 overs.

Having been set a target of 325 to win, Leicestershire survived the final eight overs of the day to reach 11 without loss.