COUNTY CHAMPIONSHIP DIVISION TWO, Southend:
Essex v Gloucestershire
5-8 August 2009
CLOSE OF PLAY, DAY ONE: Essex 300 Gloucestershire 13-1 (Essex 3pts, Glos 3pts)

Pettini was last out for Essex after coming in at 26-3

Captain Mark Pettini led from the front with 91 as Essex fought back on day one against Gloucestershire at Southend.

The visiting bowlers enjoyed early success as Steve Kirby (3-51) and James Franklin (3-61) made inroads to leave Essex struggling on 47-5.

But Pettini stood firm and had support from Ryan ten Doeschate (43), Graham Napier (50) and David Masters (55) as the hosts were eventually out for 300.

Masters then struck with the ball as Gloucestershire closed on 13-1.

Robert Woodman was the man out, caught by John Maunders at second slip for one in the seven overs Gloucestershire had to face.

Woodman and opening partner Kadeer Ali might have expected to be batting much earlier after seeing their attack get some early joy with a swinging ball.

But as the sun came out, Pettini came to the fore and shared three half-century partnerships.

606: DEBATE Did well to get up to 300, pleased with the fight back newmarket1978

The first with Ten Doeschate added 91 before the Netherlands all-rounder was caught at deep midwicket by Woodman off Richard Dawson.

Napier helped his captain put on 71, hitting nine boundaries as he was out for exactly 50 when he was caught down the leg side by wicketkeeper Steve Adshead off Kirby.

Masters then added to Gloucestershire's frustration, putting on 88 with Pettini before falling to another Woodman catch, this time in the covers.

Pettini was finally last out nine short of his second championship century of the season, having hit 10 boundaries in his 184-ball innings.

Essex skipper Mark Pettini told BBC Essex:

"We hoped to get through to lunch a bit better than five down. But the sun came out and we cashed in.

"I've put in a lot of hard work and it paid off today. And I thought David Masters played superbly.

"They won the first session but we've come back well."

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