Second XI Match Reports

Somerset v Gloucestershire

Gloucestershire Second XI T20 busy schedule continued with a return away fixture against Somerset 2xi at Taunton Vale Sports Club. Gloucestershire looking to continue their form with a resounding win the week before, both sides packed strong sides with Glenn Phillips and Miles Hammond included for Gloucestershire along with Tom Banton and Tom Abell for the away side. Somerset won the toss and elected to bowl first.

Jack Brooks bowled an absolute beauty first up to George Scott, having the Gloucestershire opener caught behind for a duck in the first over. Fellow opener Miles Hammond then rallied hitting 3 boundaries in quick succession before being caught on the boundary by Lewis Gregory, bowled by Kasey Alridge.  This brought to the crease Gloucestershire’s overseas player Glenn Phillips who gave the away side the much-needed momentum required, rocketing to 50 off a mere 32 balls. His innings included 7 fours and 2 sixes and helped Gloucestershire reach 148 for 9 off their 20 overs. Veteran spinners Max Waller and Roelof van der Merwe both picking up 2 wickets for the home to restrict Gloucestershire to a par total.

In reply, Tom Banton showed his sheer class at the top of order hitting 38 off 13 balls which allowed Somerset to reach 53 within the fourth over. His innings included 6 sixes, and he was well supported by the experienced James Hildreth who compiled a brilliant 58*. Gloucestershire struggled to find an answer and their aggressive response as they cruised to victory in the 13th over. Tom Abell hitting 23* to seal an 8 wicket win for the home side.