Penberthy century puts Northants in command

A timely century by allrounder Tony Penberthy helped Northamptonshire post a formidable total of 469 against Gloucestershire at Wantage Road on day two. Pentberthy made 116 off 273 balls with 12 fours and three sixes. In reply, the visitors ended the day at 65 for three with Hancock, Windows and Barnett getting out in quick succession.

Penberthy shared a partnership of 106 for the seventh wicket with Alec Swann and helped his side get three batting points. Resuming at 282 for five, Northants lost only one wicket during the morning session. They lost nightwatchman Paul Taylor for 20. With Swann, the Northants allrounder played freely stroking the ball well and the pair added 50 runs in just 13 overs. In the fifth over after lunch, Penberthy duly reached the milestone.

Penberthy was finally out bowled by Jeremy Snape trying to step out in order to push up the scoring rate and help his side reach 500. Snape then removed Ripley and Cousins in space of four overs and Martyn Ball ended the Northants innings by picking the wicket of last man Jason Brown. Swann remained unbeaten on 61 with 10 hits to the fence.