Kirby claws Glos back into contention

DAY 2 Close: Kent 231 & 149-6 lead Gloucestershire 166 by 214 runs (PTS: Kent 4 Glos 3)
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Gloucestershire were bowled out for just 166 on day two against Kent at Beckenham, but Steve Kirby's heroics late in the day have clawed the Shire back into the match.

The visitors still have four wickets to claim in Kent's second innings, and the first hour tomorrow will be absolutely vital. If Glos can wrap the innings up quickly, a very gettable score of around 250 may be the target; if Kent bat until lunch, then above 300 may be asked to win.

One can never find enough praise for Steve Kirby - what a cricketer. On a baking hot day, he steamed in and produce some really intense bowling and claimed 4-25 blasting out the top order and setting up the comeback.

Martin van Jaarsveld and Justin Kemp compiled 55 together and just started to ease Kent away, but back came Kirby producing an effort ball that hurried van Jaarsveld and saw him top-edge a pull stroke that Steve Snell pouched.

Not only that, but a sweating panting Kirby then came for a chat on the boundary; quite a character and his efforts as John Light mentioned in an interview with www.gloscricketradio.co.uk are being monitored by the England selectors.

Kirby hauled Glos back into the contest, after the batsman completely tumbled. A marvellous catch from Darren Stevens to dismiss Alex Gidman sparked a collapse, as the Shire lost eight wickets for just 97; a far better effort will be required for the Shire to win this match.

Official report: www.gloscricket.co.uk
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