Match Reports

Gloucestershire U18's County Age Group vs Devon (Royal London Cup)

On a scorching day at Thornbury CC, Gloucestershire U18’s side hosted Devon in their third fixture of Royal London 50 Over Cup competition. Confidence was high riding into this fixture with the home side looking for back-to-back victories to continue their successful start. Captain Will Naish won the toss and elected to bat on a beautifully prepared wicket.

Oliver Meadows, recently returning to the side from a stint with our Second XI was unfortunately dismissed early trapped LBW by opening Devon bowler Charlie Ward. Skipper Will Naish attempted to take on the attack with successive boundaries but was also dismissed LBW shortly after which left Gloucestershire in a tricky position of 34 for 2. Wicket Keeper Batsman Max Trotman (26) and opener Joe Phillips (41) then formed a well needed partnership of 65, Phillips in particular leading the way with 5 boundaries and making the most of being promoted to the top of the order. Once they both departed in relatively quick succession, the in form Praneel Choughule came to the crease who played with ease hitting 45 off 65 deliveries and was eventually the last man out for the home side as Gloucestershire were all out for 206 inside 44 overs. Sonny Baker for Devon doing the majority of the damage for the away side, bowling superbly and cleaning up our tail finishing with figures of 6 for 23.

In reply, Will Naish (2 for 39) bowled with good pace taking two wickets early thanks to the safe hands of Luke Charlesworth on both occasions leaving Devon at 25 for 2. Devon Skipper Ben Privett batting at number 4 then resurrected the innings batting with opener Ciaran Gray putting 74 on the board together. Owen Harris (3 for 58) managed to take the wickets of Privett and Gray to give Gloucestershire an opportunity to apply pressure on their middle order and was assisted by Max Shepherd (2 for 32) who provided great control with his accurate left arm spin. The game was in the balance with Devon at 146 for 7, however Jack Ford scored an impressive 53 not out to guide the away side to victory in the 48th over as Gloucestershire couldn’t mop up the tail.

Gloucestershire travel to Devon for the return fixture next Sunday (20th June) playing at Mount Kelly School. We would like to thank Devon for a brilliant fixture, the umpires and scorers along with Thornbury CC for being fantastic hosts.

Scorecard - Click here