Having bowled the home side out on day two, Gloucestershire’s attempt to defend 242 was undone by a combination of three Northamptonshire fifties and a dominant bowling display led by captain James Bracey.

It was a match of some memorable batting performances from both teams. Centuries from Saif Zaib and Nathan McSweeney set Northamptonshire up for success in the first innings. Zaib scored a fluent 142, and McSweeney chipped in with 117 as hosts cruised past the total of 465. Together, they both cemented an important early foothold in the match with their partnership and some input from the middle-order.

But Gloucestershire battled back and were still in with a chance until late in the second innings. Their captain James Bracey led the way with a sparkling 148 not out. Bracey was patient, calm, composed and reacted to the game situation well; he held things together and led his side into a fighting position in the run chase. Gloucestershire thus remained in the hunt and gave visitors an opportunity to perhaps pull off a result.

Not that Northamptonshire were in conduct of this match again what has been a disciplined bowling performance combined with important runs from half a dozen players. Eventually Gloucestershire fought back, to finish with a total which was within reach for the hosts but did still need a solid day of batting on the last day.

Calvin Harrison seized that obligation, composing one of the match’s key innings. Nottinghamshire were something like the ghost of a side that tore through their own promotion division to lift the County Championship crown just days before as Harrison navigated what had begun an uncertain run chase. His contribution ensured that there were no major calamities as the hosts marched towards their target through steady partnerships.

Bracey’s unbeaten hundred was one of the individual highlights of the match but Harrison’s contribution, in terms of influence on the result at least, proved more significant. Chasing, Northamptonshire kept their heads and wrapped up with seven wickets in hand.

The win demonstrated Northamptonshire’s formidable batting and bowling lineups. Zaib and McSweeney centuries set them up nicely, while Harrison’s unbeaten knock finished the job with time to spare. However, despite Bracey’s excellent 148 not out setting a score to defend, they were unable to find support from the other batsmen as Northamptonshire took a vital victory for their championship hopes.

Northamptonshire moved up the County Championship standings with this result and were continuing to reinforce their intention of a strong season while Gloucestershire were left rueing lost chances despite a handful of notable individual performances.