PHILINFRANCE

Spin seems to be their problem today. Do any of our Glos fans know why Brathwaite isn't playing? Injured, or only a short term contract? I have just seen that Kraigg Brathwaite has left to prepare for West Indies Test Series against South Africa. Glos now 149/8, so unlikely to get a batting point and, moreover, likely to lose, thus limiting them to just the two bowling points. Somerset plus one of Hants/Surrey to qualify? If so, Somerset's points tally against both (assuming we don't lose this current match or the next one against Surrey) will be more favourable than it was/is against Glos.

Indeed, I think he might have a soft spot for Somerset ?. I am glad I’m not the only one who noticed KB’s red soaks.

Surprisingly, from 43/5, to 113/7, to our highest first innings score of the season, 360 - indeed, without checking, I suspect our highest score of the season. Certainly very entertaining - was anybody on here lucky enough to be present at Taunton today? Fingers crossed the light holds for a few overs this evening. Hey. I've just looked, and we are top of the league.

Or even 113/7 - we are currently 277/7, a stand of more than 150! A shame for RvdeM; a bit silly, reckless even, but I think he would have been very deserving of a century. Re. @TomF's AGod comment earlier, I don't think he has yet commented on this particular post, especially as we approach our third batting point. Well.. hope LG and VDM continue to ride their luck and hope, also, for a bit of carnage from MDL and maybe we manage to scrape up to 200?

Not that it is particularly important, but has anybody noticed Keith Barker's bright red socks?

One of the umpires has just checked the light metre on the stumps, whilst the other has waved to the pavilion. Are they coming back on - Yep. They are now walking on.. If so, then a quick thrash to get another bonus point and, if the weather is as bad as you say (although it looks fine on my screen) perhaps get stuck in to the Hants batting this evening - COVE would have been useful in this!

Would you now try channelling something else as one of the floodlight has failed and, with both RvdsM and LG in rampant mood, they have just gone off for bad light!

That might explain why Surrey picked two spinners.

A propos nothing much, I found this article by Vic Marks quite amusing. https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2021/may/28/feeding-frenzy-the-central-role-of-meal-times-in-the-life-of-a-

Indeed. Apparently, he was the subject of the scurrilous safeguarding allegations to which @Rudolf Hucker referred earlier.

Indeed, but it does peg back Essex.

It became 74 from 13, but typical Surrey/Rikki Clarke - he pulled up twice in his run up and, finally, the umpires have now taken them off for the light. Wait! The umpires may have changed their mind. Back on, but now 74 from 8. You would have been very 'disappointed' with RC had you seen his disgusting timewasting tactics - they continue with Roach apparently scared of man-eating pigeons!.

You are right, of course. Hopefully, we shall get an hour to lunch - just enough for another two bonus point. Off for rain now - to cheers from the sparse crowd! I think that is almost certainly it now.

I have some bad news for you Port. Watching the live stream, I see they are removing the covers - play to resume at 12H00 your time ?.

Not a bad start. Two more for COVE, Glos presently 21/4. Make that 21/5 - Brathwaite has just been caught.

Leics avoided the follow-on (by 1 run!), but Hampshire have forfeited their seond innings. 150 to win or, more realistically, 22 overs to survive.

Play called off for the day. Phew!

Indeed. Partnership of 166 between Darren Stevens and Miguel Cummins: Darren Stevens 160 Miguel Cummins 1 Extras 5 Stevens' contribution of 96.38% in the partnership is the highest in a 100+ run stand in first-class cricket.

Except, perhaps, at Southampton, where Leicestershire are in danger of being asked to follow on - 27/5 with a target of 84!

Do you like singing and have you just moved to South Wales?

Thanks for that - it would appear our Rovers friend may be right, i.e. a Category 3 offence, albeit aggravated by previous convictions for same, but given what appears to be a marked reluctance by the Courts to impose custodial sentences, I suspect you will be proved correct. Incidentally, a 97% success rate in your department is pretty impressive ?.

I thought his name was Strepsils

One of their posters, who claims to have some knowledge of sentencing iro ABH cases, states that it is a 'category 3' ABH offence, the lowest of three categories, so a custodial sentence is most unlikely. I have no idea in which Police department you are based, but do you have any knowledge on the subject of sentencing?

Please.

Still no play at Taunton, although the covers appear to be off - awaiting the result of a 12H30 pitch inspection. I see, @Tom, that your favourite Grockles poster has replied to your post about Richard Gould and advised that he is an Ipswich fan.