Somerset and Gloucestershire bowlers struggle

LEWIS Goldsworthy’s patient century put Somerset in a useful position on day two of their Championship clash at Essex - but an opening stand of 277 saw the home side reply in style.

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Goldsworthy scored exactly 100 before being last man out as the West county were 433 all out in their first innings at Chelmsford, but Paul Walter then exerted total mastery over the visitors’ flagging bowlers and his highest first-class score of 158 eased Essex closer to safety in Division One.

‘The left-hander was almost never troubled as he combined perfect timing with seeing everything clearly and early while spraying the ball around Chelmsford with an air of supreme confidence.