Powell pummels Leicestershire

Michael Powell hit 120 for Glamorgan to aid them to an imposing first innings total

Buy this photo

Michael Powell scored his first LV County Championship century for two years as Glamorgan put themselves in a strong position at the end of the second day against Leicestershire at the SWALEC stadium.

After Glamorgan made 450 all out – their best score of the season – Leicestershire reached 117 for four at the close, 333 behind and needing 184 to avoid the follow-on.

The visitors had been 66 for four thanks to David Harrison, who was the pick of the Glamorgan attack with 3-31 in 10 overs.

Having resumed the second morning on 265 for four, after Gareth Rees had scored a career best 140 on day one, Powell and nightwatchman Dean Cosker carried on Glamorgan’s useful start.

Powell, 80 overnight, soon progressed to three figures - his first in the championship since reaching 299 against Cheltenham in 2006.

He leg-glanced Garnett Kruger for four to bring up his century off 190 balls.

Powell took his side to 300 in the 96th over before Cosker swept Claude Henderson to the square-leg boundary to register the 50 partnership for the fifth wicket.

But Leicestershire got the breakthrough two overs later when Cosker was caught behind attempting to hook Kruger. It left Glamorgan 317 for five.

Powell went a further five overs later, falling to a one-handed catch above his head by HD Ackerman at point off Henderson.

Mark Wallace guided Glamorgan to maximum batting points in partnerships with Robert Croft (52) and Jason Gillespie (63).

Wallace reached his half-century from 92 balls before he holed out to Boeta Dippenaar off James Allenby.

In reply Leicestershire were soon in trouble at 34 for two. Harrison struck with his second ball as Matthew Boyce was bowled not offering a shot and two overs later Greg Smith edged behind.

Left-arm seamer Adam Shantry removed Boeta Dippenaar with a good catch by Tom Maynard at first slip.

That was before Harrison picked up the prized wicket of HD Ackerman, who went leg before.

But Leicestershire launched a recovery through Josh Cobb and captain Paul Nixon, who had put on 51 by stumps.

Meanwhile, Glamorgan have confirmed Mike Fatkin has resigned as their chief executive after 22 years’ involvement with the club.