April Takeaways
3 May 2019
The first month of 2019 Gloucestershire Cricket action that included eight games, six Royal London One-Day Cup games, three centuries, plenty of wickets, topsy-turvey matches, three wins and two draws is now behind us.
So, what can we take away from April?
Home is where the heart is
The Bristol County Ground was witness to six matches in April, including four Royal London One-Day Cup fixtures. Fans who came out to support the team saw a wicket fest against Surrey in the Royal London One-Day Cup opener, an equally impressive showing against last year’s finalists Kent and a nail biting yet enthralling encounter against rivals Somerset. The only blip in the record being a surprising upset loss to Glamorgan in the final game of the month.
The season started off with a university match against Oxford MCCU and that was followed up by the opening Specsavers County Championship game of the campaign versus Derbyshire, both games ending in a draw. Before the season began, Chris Dent said he wanted the team to make the Bristol County Ground a fortress and three wins, two draws and a solo loss in the month of April is certainly a step in that direction.
Roderick & Bracey make their mark
Gareth Roderick and James Bracey have both stepped up to the plate in the early part of the campaign and have been two of the more consistent batsmen in the side. Roderick enjoyed tremendous success in the opening three games of the season scoring 115 in the university match before retiring not out, 98 against Derbyshire and 75 in the Royal London One-Day Cup against Surrey. He then got his second century of 2019 in 80 balls when Gloucestershire to drive Gloucestershire past Kent.
James Bracey made his List A debut at Lord’s against Middlesex after stepping in for an injured Ian Cockbain and firmly cemented his place in the batting order. Bracey, known as a defensive player better suited to longer formats has adjusted his game to maximize his use in the squad. He scored 83 runs on his debut and followed that up with 67 against Kent. His numbers against Somerset were less flattering but he was part of the partnership with Miles Hammond that steadied the ship after Roderick and Howell were removed back-to-back by Lewis Gregory.
Injuries have hampered the squad
Coach Richard Dawson has yet to have the opportunity to choose a starting eleven from a fully fit squad of players. Seam bowler, Stuart Whittingham who signed for the Club during the Winter, suffered from a lower abdominal tear in preseason and was close to a return before reaggravating the injury.
Dan Worrall has been out of the squad since injuring his back in the match against Middlesex. David Payne missed the first four games of the season with a foot injury, Ian Cockbain has only featured once for the first team as he is nursing a problematic calf strain and Chris Liddle has also missed time due to injury.
The future looks bright
Harry Hankins became the latest Gloucestershire Cricket player to receive a Club Cap, number 659. He made his debut against Oxford MCCU and picked up his first wicket along with five maidens on his way to an impressive 1.42 economy through 14 overs. He followed that up with a solid 3.06 economy in his first-class debut against Derbyshire that included a further four maidens from 33 overs. He has since returned to the second team fold appearing against Glamorgan in a one-day game and three-day contest. Harry recently turned 20 and has plenty of successful years at Gloucestershire ahead of him.
