Chris Dent ton for Gloucestershire frustrates Surrey

Chris Dent hit his maiden first-class century to frustrate Surrey's hopes of beating Gloucestershire at Cheltenham.

Having resumed their first innings on 393-8 ,the visitors were eventually all out for 423, of which Yasir Arafat weighed in with a useful 65.

That gave them a lead of 137 but Dent (100) ensured that Gloucestershire did not allow Surrey to capitalise.

Skipper Alex Gidman (57no) offered further resistance as the home team closed on 249-4, with a lead of 112.

Earlier, on the day when it was announced that he would be moving to The Oval next season on a two-year contract, Jon Lewis toook 4-95 for the home side.

After earning a first innings lead of 137, Surrey made an early when Hamish Marshall was pinned leg-before by a ball from Tim Linley that cut back and kept low. But Dent and Chris Taylor responded positively for the hosts, taking the score to 68 at lunch.

Taylor, on 47, attempted to pull Linley and got a top edge to be caught by Jade Dernbach at deep square leg before rain interrupted play.

But, after an early tea was taken, a long final session of potentially 50 overs saw Dent finally reach his first century.

Having narrowly missed out on a hundred several times last season, the 20-year-old Bristolian got to three figures with a pull for six off Zafar Ansari before perishing in the same over.

With the new ball and the light was poor, the umpires took the players off with a possible five overs still left in the day.

CLOSE OF PLAY SUMMARY

BBC Radio London's Mark Church:

"A fascinating final day in prospect at Cheltenham, with Surrey able to take the new ball straight away in the morning.

"Gloucestershire batted well in testing conditions, Chris Dent holding the innings together with a fine maiden first-class hundred until he was bowled by Zafar Ansari.

"Both sides will fancy their chances. The first hour could be crucial in determining the outcome of this game."