County Championship D2, Chelmsford, day two (close): Essex 584-7 dec v Glamorgan 141-1
Essex captain Ronnie Irani made a career-best 218 against Glamorgan as day two at Chelmsford saw 396 runs scored for the loss of four wickets.
Irani, who resumed on 84 not out, and overnight partner Ryan ten Doeschate put on a stand of 313 - five short of the Essex record for the fifth wicket.
Ten Doeschate's 148 was also his best for the county, who eventually declared on a mammoth 584-7 just before tea.
In reply, Glamorgan reached 141-1 with Matthew Elliott already 85 not out.
The Australian opener shared an opening stand of 139 with Dan Cherry, before the latter was caught behind off Danish Kaneria.
Earlier, former England off-spinner Robert Croft had sent down 54 overs, taking 3-142, as Essex made hay on a placid pitch.
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