Procter nets maiden first-class ton

Luke Procter: first county ton

FORMER Oldham and Royton all-rounder Luke Procter hit his maiden first-class century as Lancashire fought back strongly on the second day of the LV=County Championship match with Gloucestershire at Bristol.

The Second Division champions–elect moved from an overnight 33 for two in their first innings to 292 for seven, with Procter hitting 106 and Tom Smith 88 not out.

Lancashire were 38 for three and 105 for four before a partnership of 159 between Procter and Smith turned the course of the match.

It moved the visitors two bonus points nearer to the title, having already clinched promotion, and ensured a memorable day for Lancastrian Procter in particular. His previous best first class score was 89 against Sussex at Hove in 2011.

The 25-year-old, Oldham-born left-hander reached his ton off 208 balls, with 13 fours. On reaching it he removed his helmet and raised both arms to the skies before being congratulated by partner Smith.

It was 115 for four at lunch and the afternoon session saw Smith survive a difficult chance to Michael Klinger at mid–wicket off Benny Howell when on 16.

Procter reached his 50 with a glorious straight drive off Howell and Smith, followed to a half–century off 128 balls, with eight fours.

The pair batted right through the afternoon and by tea had taken the score to 206 for four.

The hosts broke the partnership with the total on 264 as Will Gidman, frustrated at having several big appeals rejected, finally pinned Procter lbw playing across the line.