Second XI Championship - 19 April 2021
Yorkshire 2nd XI won by an innings and 81 runs
Venue: Bristol County Ground
Gloucestershire v Yorkshire
Gloucestershire 2xi vs Yorkshire 2xi – 19th April, 4 Day @ Bristol County Ground
Gloucestershire returned to the Bristol County Ground for their second red ball fixture of the season in the Second XI Championship, with Yorkshire making the trip to the South West. Gloucestershire wanting to continue their fine form were up against a side which included former England international Gary Ballance and the vastly experienced Josh Poysden.
Gloucestershire won the toss and skipper Tom Smith elected to bowl, with the backing of Josh Shaw and Harry Hankins opening the bowling attack for the home side. Yorkshire batted with discipline executing sensible shots regularly to make a solid opening stand. Gloucestershire Academy Leg-Spinner Alex Russell (2 for 92) then made the initial breakthrough at 93-1 followed by Josh Shaw (1 for 37) trapping Ballance LBW cheaply shortly after. This brought to the crease Hill (207), who joined Yorkshire opener Fraine (186) compiling an inspiring partnership of 224 for the 3rd wicket to help take the side to 602 for 8 declared in their first innings.
Gloucestershire looking to dig deep in reply unfortunately struggled to form partnerships with any real substance. The threatening pace of Mukherjee (3 for 36) and accurate off-spin of Shutt (5 for 94) proved too difficult, only Ian Cockbain (49) and Will Naish (79) were able to combine vigilance with aggression to help Gloucestershire out of trouble to reach 276 all out. Jared Warner (39*) also contributing valiantly with the bat, staying at the crease for over 4 hours and facing 183 balls.
With Gloucestershire 326 runs behind, Yorkshire enforced the follow-on and continued to stamp their authority in Gloucestershire’s 2nd innings. The impressive pace duo of Fisher (1 for 16) Hill (2 for 16) bowling well up front to tighten any chance of the home side approaching their lead. First XI T20 Captain Jack Taylor (91) showed great resistance alongside the in-form Will Naish (54) with his second half century of the match to form a partnership of 156 for the 3rd wicket.
Once they were both dismissed, this led to a collapse thanks again to Shutt (4 for 47) and for Gloucestershire to end 245 all out rewarding Yorkshire with a well-earned victory by an innings and 81 runs.
Gloucestershire Second XI will look to regroup for their next fixture against rivals Somerset on Monday 3rd May.