Gloucestershire v Essex - Cricket match review

Posted on: 2014-05-05

Our rating:

I say a good job done to get a draw against Essex who have 3 current England players and an experienced side. 5 points from a draw is better than none keeping Essex in touch with Glos.


 

This match realised the emergence of Will Tavare as an outstanding first season talent for Gloucestershire. He has been playing 2nd XI cricket for Glos on and off since 2006 when he was 16. Last season for the 2nds, he scored an undefeated 179 against Sussex, returned an average of 43.68 from 13 matches and 22 innings scoring 3 centuries. His uncle, former England test batsman Chris Tavare would have been proud of Will’s temperament with his match saving partner Alex Gidman, who made 119 not out. Tavare is on a one-year contract with Glos at the moment.

Sunday was a washout so it was no surprise Essex put Glos into bat when play was possible on day 2. Good bowling conditions for pace men David Masters and Graham Napier reduced Glos to 104/6 in the 31.1 overs of day 2. Glos were all out for 134 after just 12 overs on day 3.

Glos had Essex 71/5 before Ben Foakes and James Foster put on 218 together. Ian Saxelby bowled well on his return from a very long injury; bowling nearly 20 over’s for 3 wickets at 3.55 runs an over. No surprise that Essex declared over night 171 ahead at 305/8.They had all the 4th day force a result.

At 18/2 you can imagine my surprise when I managed to get to the ground just after tea to find Glos 202/2. By now 2 Essex subs were on the pitch with Reece Toply wearing a James Foster shirt and Tymal Mills, Essex's best bowler having hamstring problems running to stop a boundary. Masters had already left the pitch with hamstring trouble and Napier, who has Steve Kirby like attitude, a hand injury.

I say a good job done to get a draw against Essex who have 3 current England players and an experienced side. 5 points from a draw is better than none keeping Essex in touch with Glos.

Not quite getting over the line against Glamorgan last week was an injustice and could be the difference at the end of the season. However playing this match against Essex despite the weather could help Glos cause especially if Essex injuries take their toll and England call-ups hinder their progress. Glos are more than capable of a good result at Surrey and defeating Kent at Bristol. 

 

Match review by Paul Simmons on behalf of 365Bristol.



Article by:

James Anderson

Born and raised in the suburbs of Swansea, Jimmy moved to Bristol back in 2004 to attend university. Passionate about live music, sport, science and nature, he can usually be found walking his cocker spaniel Baxter at any number of green spots around the city. Call James on 078 9999 3534 or email Editor@365Bristol.com.