Only rain can save Notts from defeat

Gloucestershire's excellent Championship form continued as Mark Alleyne's side put themselves into a commanding position against Nottinghamshire.

With Matt Windows (174) and Chris Taylor (148) taking their third-wicket partnership to 306, a record stand against Notts, Gloucestershire pushed on to build a big lead.

Jeremy Snape helped himself to an unbeaten century as the visitors' bowlers again erred in line and length, reaching the landmark in only 96 balls and striking a six and 11 fours.

Skipper Alleyne too looked in good form, driving powerfully in front of the wicket for his 72 before he was fifth out at 502.

The declaration finally came at 608-8, giving Gloucestershire a formidable lead of 286. Nottinghamshire's woes continued as they lost three early wickets.

Acting captain Darren Bicknell fell in the second over to Alistair Bressington for a duck and Greg Blewett's miserable match continued as he bagged a pair, edging Averis to Ball at slip. Averis also claimed the wicket of first innings centurion Paul Johnson, also without scoring, to leave Notts on 10-3.

Guy Welton batted defiantly for his 30 but after Kevin Pietersen had been caught down the legside by Russell off Bressington the opener lost his off stump to Alleyene to reduce the visitors to 54-5.

John Morris was defiant, making a well crafted 54, but wickets continued to tumble and with the extra half-hour looming Chris Read became the sixth man out, leaving Alleyne with the easy decision to take the half-hour.

Morris finally fell to Alleyne, eighth out at 125, and with Greg Smith run out it was left to Stephen Randall and Nadeem Malik to defy the Gloucestershire bowlers in a tense last five overs with Notts on 139-9, still 147 runs behind.