News

Will Puts Team In Strong Position

14 April 2012

Will Gidman excelled with ball and bat as Gloucestershire maintained a strong grip on the LV County Championship match against Hampshire at Southampton.

First the all-rounder claimed 5-48 from 18 overs as the hosts were bowled out for 199 to concede a first innings lead of 115 after the start of day three had been delayed until mid afternoon by rain.

Then, with Gloucestershire in trouble at 71-5 in their second innings, Will contributed 25 not out to an unbroken sixth-wicket stand of 58 with Ian Cockbain, who ended the day unbeaten on 27.

That meant the visitors led by a healthy 244, with five wickets still in hand, putting them in good shape to push for victory on the final day.

Hampshire had begun the day on 182-7. Will and David Payne polished off the tail for the addition of only 17 runs and Ian Saxelby finished with 3-46 from 18 overs.

Wickets continued to tumble when Gloucestershire batted for the second time, but the partnership at the end of the day kept sprits high in the visiting dressing room.

Skipper Alex Gidman told this website: "The game is far from won, but we fancy our chances of putting Hampshire under some pressure on the final day.

"It has been a seaming wicket from the start and Will is our best seam bowler so it was no real surprise that he took advantage.

"I always thought it would be difficult for us to make 150 or 200 in our second innings so the stand between Will and Ian at the end of the day was priceless.

"We will take things hour by hour tomorrow. We need a few more runs and will see how the pitch is playing before making up our minds about a possible declaration."

For more details on day three at the Ageas Bowl click on Cricket and then Match Reports.

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