County Championship: Liam Norwell causes chaos for Essex

Norwell has taken 19 wickets so far this season for Gloucestershire

Chris Dent and Peter Handscomb both hit half-centuries before Liam Norwell took three wickets, as Gloucestershire took control against Essex at Chelmsford.

Having resumed on 77-0, Gloucestershire quickly had Will Tavare (32) and Gareth Roderick removed by Jamie Porter.

But Dent (57) and Hanscomb (66) made half-centuries as the visitors were bowled out for 245, a lead of 86 runs.

Norwell, who had taken 4-32 in the first innings, then claimed three more scalps as the hosts crumbled to 91-4.

Jesse Ryder (3-75) had ably assisted Porter as Essex curtailed what could have been a large first-innings lead for Gloucestershire.

He had Dent caught by Nick Browne, as well as bowling Geraint Jones and trapping Kieran Noema-Barnett leg before for a duck.

Essex had suffered a staggering first-innings collapse on the first day, slumping from 61-0 to 98-7, before being bowled out for 159.

And they again failed to build on the platform provided by opener Jaik Mickleburgh, who followed his first-innings 42 with a further 33.

Paceman Norwell had Browne caught at second slip by Dent, bowled Mickleburgh, then trapped Dan Lawrence lbw.

After Ryder was then caught off Matt Taylor, Essex held a slender lead of only five runs with six second-innings wickets remaining.

Essex seamer Jamie Porter:

"I felt that I have bowled well without too much reward in the last couple of games, but I felt that there were a few wickets around the corner, so it was nice to cash in today.

"When we started the day, I just thought that if I could get two or three wickets in one spell, it would open the game right up and that's what happened.

"We are in front now although only just but one big partnership and a useful stand elsewhere could get us a lead of 200 and I reckon that might win it for us."

Gloucestershire pace bowler Liam Norwell:

"It's gone pretty well for me in this match.

"As a unit, our bowlers put a bigger focus on hitting our fuller and it's a bit green on top which gives some assistance.

"Luckily enough, I managed to pick up some wickets but it was a real good team effort, we bowled good areas and I think we deserve to be in the position that we are."