Dent Shines On Tough Opening Day
24 September 2013
Chris Dent top-scored with 84 as Gloucestershire posted 228-8 on the opening day of the final LV=County Championship match of the season against Glamorgan at Cardiff.
The hosts won the toss and invited their opponents to bat on a hazy morning, soon reaping reward as Gareth Roderick, opening in the absence of skipper Michael Klinger, was bowled by Michael Hogan for five.
Alex Gidman (31) helped Dent add 78 for the second wicket before being bowled by Jim Allenby, having faced 72 balls and hit 4 fours.
Dent had struck 14 boundaries in his 149-ball innings when third man out with the total on 132, caught by Allenby off the wily spin of Dean Cosker.
Ian Cockbain departed in similar fashion to the very next ball and suddenly Gloucestershire were in a spot of trouble.
It was 156-5 when Hamish Marshall was caught behind off Graham Wagg for 27, leaving himself nine runs short of 1,000 in first class cricket this summer.
Cameron Herring could contribute only eight on his return to the side as wicketkeeper, but Benny Howell (27) and Will Gidman (33) ensured the visitors of a batting point.
For more details of Day One at the Swalec Stadium click on Cricket and then Match reports.
