Match Reports

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

Our U18’s kicked off their Royal London Cup campaign on Sunday with an emphatic win over local rivals Somerset.

Somerset won the toss and elected to bat on what was a beautifully prepared wicket by accommodating hosts Hawkesbury Cricket Club. Gloucestershire were at full strength featuring several Academy players, with plenty of form behind them wanting to make a positive start to the campaign.

After a quick start by Somerset’s opening batsman, skipper Will Naish (1 for 28) kicked off proceedings making the initial breakthrough for Gloucestershire as the opposition began to falter. C Sharland (32) and G Thomas (42) looked promising and recovered for Somerset as they began to look to settled at the crease whilst scoring relatively freely. However, the introduction of spin proved the difference as Praneel Choughule (4 for 33) and Max Shepherd (2 for 40) bowled with great control in the middle overs which restricted Somerset to 188 all out. Credit to Somerset’s last wicket partnership which wagged, number 10 J Harding (22*) contributing valuable late order runs. Special mention to Stanley Brown (2 for 18) who bowled with great pace and discipline.

In pursuit of 189 to win, Gloucestershire in reply had an initial wobble however this brought to the crease in form Oliver Meadows (32) and Will Naish (85) as they made a partnership of 84 for the 3rd wicket. With Meadows unfortunately run out, Naish continued strongly hitting 13 boundaries including 4 sixes to help nearly reach the target. Once Naish was dismissed, Ahmed Syed (36*) managed to get Gloucestershire over the line in the 39th over as we took victory by 6 wickets.

A fantastic start for the U18s side to the County Cup campaign and we would like to thank Hawkesbury Cricket Club for being brilliant hosts for the fixture. Outstanding facilities and very accommodating throughout the day.