Monday, May 11, 2009

Glos battle to victory

FPT: Gloucestershire 221-7 beat Yorkshire 217-9 by three wickets

Gloucestershire ground out a very hard-fought victory over Yorkshire at Bristol to place one foot into the quarter-final of Friends Provident trophy.

It was Steve Adshead's excellent 56 from 57 balls that dug the Shire out of a hole that had been created by the bowling of David Wainwright who took three wickets for no runs and left Glos reeling at 107-6. But Adshead led the recovery with James Franklin, who's 51 not out saw the Shire home.

After useful runs the previous day, Adshead continued to play excellent one-day cricket and smashed two sixes into the tennis courts on his way to guiding his team to the winning line. He built a partnership with Franklin steadily: working the gaps and running exceptionally between the wickets. It was unfortunate that he couldn't complete the job, but received a deserved ovation for his efforts as he left the field.

Franklin justified his signing with a vital innings, and Glos fans will be pleased to see a genuine impact from their oversees. He played with intelligence alongside Adshead to continue the Shire's unbeaten start to the competition.

The victory might have been far more comprehensive. Yorkshire were reduced to 49-5 with Jon Lewis' three wickets, and it took a 115 stand led by captain Anothny McGrath (67) to haul the visitors back into contention. The effort certainly transformed the match that at one stage had looked like another drab one-sided affair (not that we mind those too much!)

But impact-of-the-day must surely go to Wainwright who had Chris Taylor caught and bowled, removed Alex Gidman for a duck and then ended Will Porterfield's innings as he looked to move the Shire towards victory, all within his first two overs. But Adshead and Franklin battled hard and their 106 partnership steered the Shire to a memorable win.

Official report: www.gloscricket.co.uk

Friends Provident Trophy Group C
1. Gloucestershire PLD: 5 PTS: 10
2. Sussex PLD: 5 PTS: 6
3. Yorkshire PLD: 5 PTS: 4
4. Surrey PLD: 4 PTS: 2
5. Durham PLD: 5 PTS: 2

7 comments:

  1. One other notable achievement for the Glos is the extras column in the last two matches. 4 wides against Durham, 3 against Yorkshire and no no-balls or byes (well done Adshead) in either match. Just shows what can be done to stem this unnecessary run giveaway that has happened all too often in the past.

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  2. When We're Bobbin'11 May 2009 at 22:37

    Well we've now matched that six game run you mentioned before unspelt, let's see if we can better it on Wednesday! ..and if anyone has the Wisden to hand, what's our longest winning streak ever?!

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  3. This is looking very encouraging. I figured Bracewell would improve the one day performances but the Championship successes are more surprising. I realise that Division 2 is pretty weak and that there are bigger challenges to come (Philip Hughes springs to mind) but the attack's ability to take 20 wickets is an exciting development.

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  4. It certainly is encouraging.

    One more win (preferably against Sussex on Friday) to guarantee top spot and a potentially easier Q/F, although it'll be away no matter what!

    I just hope we can keep winning so when it comes to our next four-day match (6th June) there'll be a feel-good factor still and we can keep progressing.

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  5. When We're Bobbin'12 May 2009 at 15:32

    re. bigger challenges - if Lewis can uproot Rudolph's middle stump then I've got confidence we can dismiss any batsman!

    Are we definitely away for the quarters then? ..if so, that's annoying! (although last year didn't exactly work in our favour!)

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  6. Tom Richardson said as much, but the paper seems to suggest that they may try to reschedule it...bare in mind we only get a home tie if we come top of the group.

    How do you rate Anthony Ireland mr Bobbin'?

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  7. When We're Bobbin'12 May 2009 at 19:52

    Interesting question. At the moment he's bowling well with a lot of confidence and I love seeing our bowlers getting wickets. However, up til now I don't feel he's been consistent enough; if he wants to make it at Glos then this is the one thing he has to improve, else he'll fall into the same bracket that saw Hardinges, Greenidge, Averis, Rudge, Bressington, etc. ruthlessly moved on.

    This is especially important for him now that Saxelby and Banerjee are making big impressions. Is there a regular space for Ireland in a bowling attack with Lewis, Kirby, Saxelby, Banerjee, Gidman, an overseas player (Franklin), Stayt, Woodman, Taylor? It's hard to see, except for injuries, especially considering he can't bat!

    Obviously he'd like to be competing with Saxelby for a place, but I think he's got to go big and aim for Lewis' place ...a consistent front line bowler. He's proved that on occasion he can be dangerous, but can he stand up when the going gets tough? If he can then he's definitely got a future here.

    I think this season could make or break his Glos career even though he's only 24, and working with Bracewell should help too ...remember Division 1 of the championship will be even tougher!!

    ReplyDelete


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