Porterfield falls agonisingly short

Hamish Marshall ended day three unbeaten after passing 50 before the close of play

Will Porterfield struck a County Championship career-best 93 as Gloucestershire’s rain-ruined Division Two match against Glamorgan finally got under way on the third day at Cardiff.

The players had been confined to the dressing rooms for the entire opening two days after heavy rain ensured no play but play began at 1.10pm following two inspections by the umpires, Barry Dudleston and Mike Harris.

With almost seven sessions washed out it meant 207 overs of the contest had been lost.

By the end of the 81 overs possible on the third day Gloucestershire, after winning the toss, had reached 223 for two with Hamish Marshall 51 not out.

The only chance of a positive outcome on the final day was collusion between the captains which would entail Glamorgan and Gloucestershire agreeing to forfeit an innings each.

Despite the pitch being under the covers since Tuesday Gloucestershire captain Jon Lewis had no hesitation in batting first on a good-looking wicket.

His decision was vindicated even though his openers – Kadeer Ali and Porterfield only managed seven runs between them during the opening 10 overs thanks to accurate new ball spells from both David Harrison and Adam Shantry.

But with little response from the pitch skipper David Hemp was forced to use six bowlers in the first 21 overs.

The scoring rate gradually increased with the left-handed Porterfield striking Dean Cosker for three fours in two overs.

Kadeer went to his first 50 of the season from 111 balls with three fours as Gloucestershire reached 101 for nought in 42 overs by tea – the county’s second opening stand of 100 in County Championship cricket this summer.

In the second over after tea Porterfield brought up his own half century from 139 balls, a patient innings which contained six fours.

Robert Croft got the first breakthrough in the 50th over having Kadeer caught down the legside by wicketkeeper Mark Wallace to have Gloucestershire 126 for one.

And seven short of his maiden first-class 100 Porterfield was trapped in front by Shantry leaving the visitors 199 for two.