Alex So Proud Of First Championship Win
15 April 2012
Alex Gidman was a proud captain as his young Gloucestershire side pulled off a thrilling 33-run LV County Championship victory over Hampshire at Southampton.
Set 290 to win in their second innings, the hosts were bowled out for 256 in a dramatic finish, which saw fortunes seesaw in the closing stages.
Will Gidman took 4-66 for match figures of 9-114, while Ian Saxelby claimed 3-53 and Ian Saxelby 3-56 on a great day for Gloucestershire's seam attack.
The visitors had looked right on top when Hampshire plunged to 72-6. But a seventh-wicket stand of 118 between Michael Bates (87) and Chris Wood (65) looked to have launched a successful recovery.
Wood was caught by Hamish Marshall off Payne to make it 190-7, but there was further frustration for Gloucestershire when Hamza Riazuddin (28) helped Wood add a further 56 for the eighth wicket.
Will Gidman then bowled both batsmen in a dramatic 75th over, which proved decisive. Although last pair Danny Briggs and David Balcombe hung around for three more overs, Payne ended the match by bowling Balcombe for six.
Gloucestershire took 22 points from a game they controlled for long periods while Hampshire, who were in the First Division last season, had to settle for three.
The result put Gloucestershire third in Division Two with 25 points from their first two Championship fixtures.
After the game Alex Gidman told this website: "I'm so proud because it was a massive win for us. We had a tough winter and a tough opening game so it was great to prove to ourselves that we can be a really competitive unit.
"The guys have gone crazy in the dressing room afterwards, as much out of relief as anything. We have been in a real dogfight over the last four days and to come out on top is a great feeling.
"There were only a couple of full overs left in the game when we got the final wicket so it was a close run thing. The new ball seamed around as it had done all match and it was just as well we took so many wickets before it went soft.
""With the skies clear it became very hard work for the bowlers when the ball lost its hardness and Bates and Wood both batted extremely well.
"As their target got closer, I think Hampshire fancied their chances of winning, which may well of helped us. It was after a drinks break that Will took two wickets in an over and perhaps they had decided to be more positive in trying to get the required runs.
"I'm so pleased for the players because they have worked really hard during the winter. There may be a few beers drunk tonight and they will be fully deserved."
For more details on the final day at Southampton click on Cricket and then Match Reports.
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