County Championship Division Two, Cheltenham College, day two (stumps): Gloucestershire 122-1; Glamorgan 647-7dMike Powell fell just one short of a triple century as Glamorgan declared on
647-7 against Gloucestershire on day two at Cheltenham College.
The 29-year-old hit the second-highest individual total in Glamorgan's history behind the 309 by Steve James against Sussex at Colwyn Bay in 2000.
Powell batted for 10 hours and 46 minutes, facing 479 balls and hitting two sixes and 38 fours.
Glamorgan declared when he was out and Gloucestershire replied with 122-1.
On 299, Powell was caught behind off Ian Fisher, just missing out on joining WG Grace as the only first class triple-century maker at the Cheltenham venue.
The home side lost Phil Weston for 18 while Craig Spearman was 84 not out.
Powell must have felt desperately disappointed to miss out on 300 as he pushed forward defensively and edged a ball that turned and lifted.
But as he walked off four Gloucestershire players, led by skipper Jon Lewis, raced over to shake him by the hand.
Powell had offered just one chance on the first day and offered one more on
the second, Lewis spilling a catch at extra cover just after lunch when he was on 239.
The Gloucestershire skipper had only just taken the field after what is
becoming a customary drive on the opening day of a Test Match to reach his
county after being released from the England squad.
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