Second XI Match Reports

Worcestershire v Gloucestershire

Gloucestershire’s Second XI made the short journey north to Kidderminster CC to play Worcestershire’s Second XI. Both sides fielding strong outfits in a bid to get some final match practice before the commencement of the Vitality T20 Blast. Gloucestershire won the toss and elected to bowl first.

Worcestershire’s veteran all-rounder Brett D’Oliveira looked in fine touch for the home side as he blazed his way to an impeccable 100 off 50 balls, including 14 boundaries. England international Moeen Ali also making an appearance at number 3, contributing 34 runs off 13 balls with 5 fours and 2 sixes. Gloucestershire’s bowlers found it tough to minimise scoring options for the home side and struggled to take wickets – David Payne managed to make a respectable impact within his 4 overs finishing with figures of 2 for 29. D’Oliverira, bringing up his century in the last over left Gloucestershire needing a mammoth 245 to win.

 Gloucestershire in reply struggled against Worcestershire seamer Josh Tongue who bowled impressively, taking 4 wickets for 23 runs. Bowling an attacking line at the stumps, our top order couldn’t contribute to the run chase. Chris Dent led from the front with a quick-fire 28 off 14 balls, however it wasn’t until Graeme van Burren arrived at the crease that Gloucestershire managed to show some real resistance at the back end of the innings.  Hitting 69 off 26 balls, he hit some miraculous shots to give the away side a chance. Academy All-Rounder Will Naish also provided some fireworks at the end however it was a little too late as Worcestershire wrapped the victory in the final over and took the win by 62 runs.