AN UNBROKEN sixth-wicket partnership of 179 between Hamish Marshall and Kieran Noema-Barnett put Gloucestershire in control against Worcestershire at Bristol on the first day of the Specsavers County Championship Division Two clash.

Worcestershire skipper Daryl Mitchell’s side made regular inroads after electing to bowl first, reducing the home side at one stage to 157-5.

Ed Barnard, pictured, (2), Jack Shantry and debutant Matt Henry picked up wickets, while the latter was also responsible for a brilliant run-out.

But Marshall and Noema-Barnett batted for the remainder of the day as Gloucestershire closed on 336-5 from 96 overs.

Marshall, who went to the wicket at 57-3, finished undefeated on 123.

Noema-Barnett, aged 28, ended on 84 not out – his highest Championship score for Gloucestershire.

An inspirational moment of fielding from Henry turned things Worcestershire’s way during the morning session after the hosts had progressed to 37 without loss.

Cameron Bancroft, on 15, played a ball from Joe Leach to wide mid-on and called for a quick single.

With only one stump to aim at, Henry clipped the bails at the bowler’s end with Bancroft short of his ground.

Ian Cockbain was then lbw to Barnard for five and then Gareth Roderick was held by Ross Whiteley off Shantry.

Chris Dent made 59 before he was caught by Tom Kohler-Cadmore off Barnard.

George Hankins made 18 before he edged Henry to Whiteley at third slip to give the New Zealander his first wicket for the County.

But that was the end of any tangible success for the visitors.