GLOUCESTERSHIRE centurion Will Tavare was happy after hitting his ton and helping the county to a healthy lead as day three of their clash at the Brightside Ground against Leicestershire gets going.

Resuming their first innings on 236 for five, the hosts declared on 466 for eight, Tavare top-scoring with 101, well supported by Phil Mustard (72), Jack Taylor (60) and David Payne (54 not out). Gavin Griffiths finished with four for 101.

In reply, Leicestershire slumped to 14 for three before a fighting stand of 102 between skipper Mark Cosgrove (48) and Mark Pettini (54). They fell in quick succession and by the close the visitors were back in trouble at 165 for six, trailing by 301.

Tavare, who missed much of last season with a knee problem, was unbeaten on 73 overnight and moved to a painstaking hundred off 271 balls, with eight fours and a six. He had batted for six hours and 12 minutes when bowled by a full-length ball from Griffiths.

Tavare said: "We have such clean strikers of the ball down the order that I see my job as setting things up for them. It's always nice to score centuries and I was pleased with this one because Leicestershire bowled really well with the second new ball.

"After a frustrating season with injury last year, it's good to have started well. My knee is still swollen, but the fitness guys at the club have done wonders and it is manageable.

"David Payne and Liam Norwell were awesome with the new ball when Leicestershire batted. They are horrible to face in the nets and both did a great job.

"With a good night's rest we can hopefully knock over the remaining wickets quickly tomorrow and enforce the follow-on."