EIGHTEEN wickets fell on a thrilling third day between Essex and Glamorgan, with Essex needing 313 runs to win.

With one day remaining, Essex have eight wickets in hand over Glamorgan, closing the day on 51-2, with Jamie Porter (two) and Dan Lawrence (13) at the crease at the close of play.

Nick Browne and Jaik Mickleburgh had both fallen for 13 runs apiece earlier in the day to give Paul Grayson’s team an uphill task after Glamorgan made 270 runs in their second innings shortly after tea.

In a potentially match-winning position at tea, Glamorgan had been struggling earlier in the day, as they slipped to 78-5, a lead of only 161, but Mark Wallace (79) and Graham Wagg (43) steadied the innings.

David Masters and Jamie Porter had taken two wickets apiece on a pitch of variable bounce earlier in the day.

An inspired spell of bowing from Glamorgan seamer Wagg had enabled the home team to gain a 93 run lead after Essex’s first innings, which was extended to 121 at lunch with Glamorgan 28-2 in their second innings.

Resuming on 183-4, Ryan ten Doeschate and Callum Taylor had taken their partnership to 61 before ten Doeschate gave Wallace a straightforward catch.

His five-wicket haul- with incredible figures of 5-54, including a spell of 4-7 from 15 balls put them in a strong position.

And Essex will need their final eight batsmen to put in a strong showing on the final day tomorrow to take the win.