Gloucestershire on top at Cardiff

Glamorgan`s batsmen enjoyed a disappointing time on the first day of their County Championship match against Gloucestershire at Cardiff, as the Welsh county were dismissed for just 139 in their first innings after they had been inserted by Mark Alleyne, the Gloucestershire captain.

Alleyne`s decision to bowl first was fully vindicated as Glamorgan slumped to 19-5 within the first hour`s play, and it looked as if they might struggle to pass their lowest ever total against their West Country neighbours - 49 at Margam in 1962.

Matthew Maynard plus the lower order batsmen staged a brief recovery either side of lunch, but despite a few sturdy blows by Mike Kasprowicz and Alex Wharf, Glamorgan were eventually dismissed for 139, with Jon Lewis returning figures of 5-61.

The Gloucestershire openers, Craig Spearman and Phil Weston, then compiled a century opening stand, adding 137 before Spearman, the former New Zealand batsman, was caught by Ian Thomas off the bowling of David Harrison. The young seamer then disposed of Weston, before Kasprowicz removed Tim Hancock thanks to a deft catch by Mike Powell.

Gloucestershire ended the day on 217-3 with former South African Test star Jonty Rhodes unbeaten on 39* with his side 78 runs ahead and 7 wickets in hand.