Cricket

Glamorgan's batting prowess was on full display at Sophia Gardens as they amassed an impressive 283 for 4 against Gloucestershire on day two of their County Championship clash. Despite a frustrating day of no action on day one due to rain, the home side made up for lost time with a dominant batting performance.After winning the toss and electing to bat on a damp pitch, Glamorgan openers Will Smale and Asa Tribe laid a solid foundation with a 79-run partnership. Smale contributed 41 before being caught by Ollie Price off Tom Price's bowling. Tribe continued to impress, reaching 70 before falling lbw to Matt Taylor's accurate delivery.Colin Ingram, who became the first player to reach 1,000 first-class runs this season, showcased his class with a fluent 84. He struck 12 boundaries in his 96-ball innings, anchoring Glamorgan's middle order. However, Taylor's brilliance proved too much for Ingram, who was bowled in the 50th over.Taylor's impressive spell continued as he dismissed Kiran Carlson for 1, leaving Glamorgan at 210 for 4. The Gloucestershire paceman finished the day with figures of 3 for 43 from 14 overs, including three maidens.Skipper Sam Northeast and Chris Cooke then joined forces to add an unbeaten 73 for the fifth wicket. Cooke was particularly aggressive, hitting seven fours in his 43* off 54 balls. Northeast played a more supporting role, contributing 27 with three boundaries.Despite several dropped catches by Gloucestershire, Glamorgan's batsmen capitalized on the opportunities presented to them. The home side's total of 283 for 4 puts them in a strong position heading into day three.

Gloucestershire's Vitality Blast campaign got off to a flying start with a convincing five-wicket victory over Essex at the Seat Unique Stadium in Bristol. David Payne and Matt Taylor starred with the ball, claiming four wickets apiece to restrict Essex to a modest 141 for 9.Payne struck early, removing Dean Elgar and Michael Pepper with his first two deliveries. He then dismissed Adam Rossington to leave Essex reeling at 11 for 3. Jordan Cox and Paul Walter staged a recovery with a 64-run stand, but Cox's dismissal for 48 triggered a collapse. Walter followed soon after, and Essex lost wickets at regular intervals.Gloucestershire's chase was anchored by James Bracey, who smashed 49 from 30 balls. He shared an 83-run partnership with Cameron Bancroft, who contributed 32. Ben Charlesworth finished unbeaten on 22 as Gloucestershire reached their target with 18 balls to spare.Essex's bowling attack struggled to make an impact, with only Luc Benkenstein taking multiple wickets. The defeat was a disappointing start to their title defense, while Gloucestershire will be buoyed by their impressive performance.