Jimmy Maher plundered a career-best 217 as Glamorgan put themselves in a strong position going into the last day of their CricInfo Championship Division One Clash with Essex at Sophia Gardens.

Thanks to the Queenslander, Mike Powell and a 98-run partnership down the order between Darren Thomas and Andrew Davies, Glamorgan were able to declare their first innings on 546-8 - a lead of 219.

By the close Essex openers Darren Robinson and Paul Grayson had survived 19 overs to leave Essex in their second innings on 64-0, 155 behind.

On 102 overnight, Maher took the attack to the Essex bowling to score 94 in the opening session of the third day.

And shortly after lunch the Australian went past 200 and his previous best score of 208 not out for Queensland against South Australia three years ago before he was dismissed by youngster Justin Bishop, ending a five-hour vigil that included 324 balls with 32 fours.

Maher and Mike Powell resumed the Glamorgan innings on 188-2 - 139 behind Essex - but proceeded to knock off the deficit in just 32 overs. By lunch the partnership was worth 240 in 74 overs.

Maher added 284 in 74 overs for the third wicket with Powell, who went on to score his second century of the season off 222 balls.

By tea Glamorgan had reached 474-6 - an overall lead of 147. But Thomas, who passed 500 first-class runs for the summer, and Davies took Glamorgan to the 500 mark.

© CricInfo Ltd.