Kent dominate opening day, while Mason Crane finds encouragement in Severnside derby

COUNTY CHAMPIONSHIP DIVISION TWO ROUNDUP: Middlesex enjoyed the better of the first day at Grace Road, while Lancshire fought back after an awkward start at Derby

Cardiff (day one of four): Gloucestershire 279-7, Glamorgan

A seventh-wicket stand of 96 between James Bracey (57*) and Zaman Akhter (58) gives Gloucestershire hope at the end of a hard-fought and fluctuating opening day in the Rothesay County Championship Division Two clash with Glamorgan at Sophia Gardens.

Glamorgan looked to have taken complete control of proceedings shortly after tea with leg-spinner Mason Crane (3 for 55) ripping through the visitors' middle order but Gloucestershire's early-evening counterpunch ensures that at 279 for 7 they have a foothold in this absorbing contest.

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^{Ben Compton was in the runs for Kent (Alex Davidson/Getty Images)}

Canterbury (day one of four): Kent 325-4, Northamptonshire

Ben Compton celebrated being handed both his county cap and a new three-year contract by making 66 on day one of Kent's Rothesay County Championship game with Northants at Canterbury.

The hosts were 325 for 4 at stumps, with Tawanda Muyeye hitting 58 and captain Daniel Bell-Drummond unbeaten on 66.

Liam Guthrie took 2 for 54 but it was a gruelling day in the heat for the visitors, who used seven different bowlers after losing the toss and being asked to field.

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