Second XI Match Reports

Gloucestershire v Warwickshire

Warwickshire travelled to Rockhampton CC for a double hear of T20’s against Gloucestershire. With many first team regulars now on duty for the start of the commencement of the Vitality T20 Blast competition, this gave an opportunity for younger squad members to contribute for the Second XI side. Tom Lace led the side for both fixtures, looking to regain some much-needed form to push for a first team spot.

1st T20

Gloucestershire got off to flyer with Lace and Scott forming a brilliant opening partnership of 122 thanks to Lace in particular who smashed his way to 71 off 48 balls. Hitting 10 fours and 1 six, he looked back to his very best as he set a great platform in the first 16 overs of the match. After both openers were dismissed in consecutive balls, it was up to the middle order to try and capitalise on the great start however Warwickshire’s bowlers worked hard to keep us at 155 for 4 in 20 overs.

Warwickshire lost opener Lamb first ball of the innings in reply as Harry Hankins trapped the batsman LBW to get Gloucestershire off to the perfect start. However, Warwickshire fought back thanks to Velani who hit 62 off 54 balls to help keep the away side keep in the match. Requiring 2 runs off the final ball with Velani still on strike, George Scott held his nerve as Velani couldn’t get him away to then be run out by wicket keeper Wells with the assistance from Scott with Gloucestershire winning narrowly by 1 run.

2nd T20

Gloucestershire won the toss and again elected to bat first, with the skipper once again leading from the front. Lace, continuing his fine form hitting some outrageous shots to take him to 43 runs off 26 balls including a slog sweep off the pace bowling of Brookes. Our middle order struggled to get going thanks to leg-spin of Warwickshire bowler van Vollenhoven, who took 3 quick wickets and knocked back Gloucestershire to 83 for 7. Ollie Price (32) managed to rescue the home side with some late hitting to take the total to 140 for 9 in 20 overs. 

In reply, Warwickshire openers Lamb and Bethell set the tone with Lamb (52) holding their innings together with a well made half century. Dominic Goodman bowled extremely well to keep Gloucestershire in the game right until the end, taking 3 wickets for 27 runs off his 4 overs. However, Warwickshire made up for their loss earlier in the day and secured victory of the final ball of the innings winning by 2 wickets.