Roderick Ton Takes Kent Game Into Final Day
23 August 2013
Gareth Roderick hit his first century for Gloucestershire on an otherwise disappointing third day of the LV=County Championship match with Kent at Canterbury.
The 21-year-old South African's unbeaten 152 off 252 balls with 19 boundaries was not enough to prevent the hosts putting themselves on the verge of victory in a contrived finish for the second time this season.
Gloucestershire go into the final day on 307-9, needing a further 92 runs for an unlikely success.
Skipper Michael Klinger declared his side's first innings on the overnight 80 without loss, handing Kent a lead of 394.
Then the home side's captain James Tredwell closed their second innings on just 4-0, setting their opponents 399 to win.
It was almost the opposite of what happened at Cheltenham this season when Kent chased a huge target successfully on the final day after an agreement between the captains and won in a dramatic finish.
Gloucestershire's chances of gaining revenge soon nosedived as they were reduced to 13-3, with Klinger, Chris Dent and Benny Howell falling cheaply.
Hamish Marshall contributed only 15 and it was 41-4 when Roderick walked out to join Alex Gidman, who hit 47 before falling with the total on 96.
Will Gidman followed and an early finish looked in prospect until Tom Smith (32) helped Roderick add 109 for the seventh wicket.
Roderick reached his maiden first class hundred off 157 balls, with 14 fours. He was still there at stumps after Kent had taken the extra half hour in a bid to force a three-day win.
For more details on Day Three at Canterbury click on Cricket and then Match Reports.
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