James Franklin moved within sight of his second LV County Championship century of the summer as Gloucestershire gained the upper hand in their duel against Essex at Southend.

The 28-year-old New Zealander reached the close on 92 as the visitors responded with 319-6 in reply to their opponents' 300.

It was an innings combining watchful defence with bouts of aggression, highlighted by the fact that Franklin needed 104 balls to post his half-century but reached the landmark with the help of 10 fours.

Franklin later stepped up a gear, particularly against leg-spinner Danish Kaneria, who he struck for two sixes in an over, punishment that led to the Pakistan Test star being withdrawn from the attack.

Both those blows were dispatched over mid-wicket, and he was to inflict further punishment on off-spinner Tom Westley, straight driving him for six. Franklin has struck 13 fours in an effort that has so far spanned 137 deliveries.

Keeping the New Zealander company for most of the time was Steve Adshead.

The pair came together at the fall of the sixth wicket with the total on 170 and the wicketkeeper defied all attempts to remove him before the close.

Adshead, who reached his half-century by pulling Westley for six, will resume on 56.

His partnership with Franklin has yielded 149 in 38 overs, although both he and his partner were helped by a friendly pitch and some mediocre bowling.

The only other Gloucestershire batsman to make a substantial contribution was opener Kadeer Ali.

He resisted for 53 overs while scoring 76 before eventually departing when caught behind off paceman Graham Napier after hitting 11 boundaries during his watchful stay of 175 balls.

Kaneria has so far sent down 27 overs and conceded 92. His solitary success came when he had captain Alex Gidman caught behind by James Foster for 14.

Napier proved the most successful of the Essex bowlers, taking two wickets at a cost of 49 in 17 overs.

It all leaves Gloucestershire CCC in a good position to stamp their authority on the match.

If they build up an advantage of 100 or more, they will be firm favourites to go on and claim a victory that would enhance their promotion prospects.