HAMISH MARSHALL hit a quick 68 not out in the final session to put Gloucestershire well on top in their County Championship Division Two match against Northamptonshire.

They closed day two on 105-1, 238 runs ahead having bowled the hosts out for 161 in their first innings.

Paceman Steve Kirby (4-41) and left-arm spinner Vikram Banerjee (4-62) led the way, while Jon Lewis took 2-24 off his 12 overs.

Will Porterfield was removed for a golden duck as Gloucestershire’s second innings got off to a nightmare start but Marshall and Kadeer Ali (24*) have shared an unbeaten century partnership to put them firmly in control with two days left.