COUNTY CHAMPIONSHIP DIVISION TWO, Northampton
Northants v Gloucestershire
28 April - 1 May
FINAL DAY: Glos 294 and 237 beat Northants 161 and 326 by 44 runs(Glos 19 pts, Northants 3 pts)

Northants made a valiant victory attempt at Wantage Road, only to fall to a 44-run defeat by Gloucestershire.

Resuming on 200-5, still needing another 166 for victory, they suffered an early blow when David Willey went for 47 after adding just four runs.

Andrew Hall (91) and Steven Crook (55) then gave the home side hope with a 65-run seventh-wicket partnership.

But Alex Gidman trapped Hall lbw, Jon Lewis bowled Crook and two quick Steve Kirby wickets saw the visitors home.

It was Gloucestershire's first Championship win since August 2007 - and since John Bracewell returned as coach - on a nervy final day.

Northants began the day on 200-5 looking to cash in on a Gloucestershire attack depleted by injuries to frontline seamers James Franklin and Ian Saxelby.

Despite Gloucestershire posting the highest score of the match, Lewis and Kirby rallied with the pressure on to take the final four wickets for 43 runs and seal the win.

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