A tremendous fightback by Essex after they were forced to follow-on, 177 runs behind, has set up the prospect of an absorbing final day with the home side leading by 321 runs with four second innings wickets still intact at the close of play.

A magnificent career-best innings of 189 by Paul Grayson acted as the catalyst for his side's mammoth total of 498-6 with the opening bat featuring in two century partnerships. He resumed with Darren Robinson in the morning session and the latter had reached 80 when he was caught behind to end a stand worth 158 for the second wicket that ensured that the visitors would be forced to bat again.

Stuart Law joined Grayson and the pair added 147 runs with Law striking a nonchalant 67 that included nine boundaries and the sixth occasion that he has reached fifty in the competition this season. His innings featured some impressive driving on either side of the wicket before the formidable Australian clipped Owen Parkin to mid-wicket to end another imperious performance.

Grayson continued his defiant, chanceless crusade, easing past his previous highest score of 159 but after batting for almost six hours and displaying superb timing, he was caught at point having struck 34 boundaries and seen his side to a position that offered some hope of providing an interesting finale.

Ronnie Irani and Stephen Peters then combined to record the third century stand of the day against the tiring Welsh attack with Irani reaching his half-century but both lost their wickets in successive overs late in the day to give their opponents some small consolation for their long hours of unrewarded toil.

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