Harvey puts Gloucestershire in control at Hove

Ian Harvey returned Championship-best bowling figures as Gloucestershire took control of the Championship match against Sussex at Hove today.

His county were already celebrated an unprecedented domestic one-day treble after clinching the National League title last night and the Australian all-rounder seemed keen to carry on the party.

Harvey took 6-19, including a 4-7 burst from 11 overs which wrecked the Sussex top order before lunch as the home side, who had won the toss, were bowled out for 138.

In a high-class display of swing bowling, Harvey surprised Mike Yardy with extra bounce after he'd helped put on 35 for the first wicket, had Will House caught off the glove mis-timing a pull, trapped Chris Adams lbw and deceived Tony Cottey with an outswinger as Sussex lurched to 87-6 at lunch.

Jonathan Lewis, who claimed his 60th Championship wicket of the season, and Ben Gannon each took two wickets in support before Harvey returned to mop up the tail.

Only Montgomerie, who made 30 before pulling a half volley from Gannon to square leg, and James Kirtley (19) provided much resistance.

Kirtley bowled Tim Hancock in the fourth over and Dominic Hewson was surprised by extra bounce from Robin Martin-Jenkins after making an attractive 35.

Bad light forced the players off an hour early with Gloucestershire 74-2, just 64 behind and capable of sustaining their promotion challenge by building a big lead on a good pitch tomorrow.