GLOUCESTERSHIRE bowler Liam Norwell praised Winterbourne’s James Bracey who hit 63 runs in his side’s first innings of 368 all out.

Leicestershire lead their match with Gloucestershire by just eight runs with only three second innings wickets remaining.

And Bracey’s knock, on only his second match of the season, was crucial in establishing that lead as was Norwell’s contribution of five wickets in that second innings by the home side of 154-7, having made 222 all out in their first innings.

Norwell said: “James Bracey played a very mature innings for his age and then we put on consistent pressure with the ball – at times we leaked a few runs but I always felt we were in the game, and the way Kieran [Noema-Barnett] bowled was superb, 12 straight overs up the hill, he's been a great asset this season and the last few seasons, and I think he doesn't get the praise he deserves.

“I haven't look at the weather forecast for Friday but if it's not great fingers crossed we get the time we need – we'll hang around all day if we have to.

On his own performance of taking 17 wickets this season against Leicestershire, Norwell added: “It's one of those things – I did it against Essex a couple of seasons ago, all I'm really trying to do is put the ball in the right areas.

“Every player wants to test themselves at the highest level they can, I do want to play in Division One, but I have another year on my contract with Glos and all I'm thinking about is trying to win as many games as possible with them and hopefully get into the top division that way. We want to finish the season strong, we want to win games and improve as a side.”