Gloucestershire win despite Glamorgan fightback

Gloucestershire duly beat Glamorgan at Cardiff by six wickets, and recorded their first win at Sophia Gardens since 1986. But not before a spirited fightback by Glamorgan`s lower order batsmen, especially Michael Kasprowicz and David Harrison who shared an entertaining partnership of 140 for the ninth wicket.

After a short delay because of early morning rain, Gloucestershire made early inroads with Jon Lewis dismissing David Hemp, and Ian Butler bowling Andrew Davies, and as further wickets fell before lunch, an innings victory seemed on the cards.

When Butler dismissed Matthew Maynard, Glamorgan were 203-8, and still 53 runs behind as Kasprowicz joined Harrison at the crease. The pair then launced a counter-attack with a mix of caution and aggression, to take the game into the final session, and to cause more than a few flutters of concern in Gloucestershire hearts.

The century stand was raised shortly before tea - the first ever by a Glamorgan ninth wicket pair against Gloucestershire - and the stand was worth a valiant 140 when Kasprowicz was eventually bowled by Jon Lewis for 78 - the Australian`s highest score for Glamorgan and the bowler`s ninth wicket of the match. Harrison had also notched a maiden Championship fifty before being caught behind by Jack Russell off Mike Smith`s bowling for 66.

This left Gloucestershire the task of scoring 95 off 25 overs, and despite a hostile three wicket spell from Alex Wharf, Craig Spearman hit a quick-fire 39, to set the English county on their way to a target that they eventually reached with 10 overs in hand to record their second Championship win of the summer.