Centuries For Alex And Will On Final Day
30 April 2014
Alex Gidman (pictured) and Will Tavare hit centuries as Gloucestershire comfortably avoided defeat on the final day of the LV=County Championship with Essex at Bristol.
Gidman finished unbeaten on 119 and Tavare was 100 not out when their unbroken stand of 233 enabled the hosts to close on 251-2 in their second innings, leading by 80 runs.
It didn't look like a certain draw when Gloucestershire were reduced to 18-2 after Essex had declared on their overnight score of 305-8.
The home side needed 171 to avoid an innings defeat and it required a high level of application from Tavare and Gidman to launch their match-saving partnership.
Gidman was first to his century off 166 balls, with 15 fours, while Tavare followed shortly before the players shook hands, having faced 212 deliveries and hit 12 boundaries.
It was the second time in his first three Championship appearances that the 24-year-old nephew of former England batsman Chris Tavare had celebrated a ton following his 139 on debut against Hampshire.
Will told this website: "This hundred gave me more satisfaction because when I went in we were facing a really tough situation and I was on a pair against bowlers capable of producing a ball with my name on it at any time.
"I felt under a lot more pressure than when I made my century against Hampshire. I was desperate to do something for the lads because we were very unfortunate not to win our previous game against Glamorgan.
"I had never faced David Masters before this game and he is absolutely extraordinary. In the first innings he bowled me two balls that did nothing and lulled me into a false sense of security. The next one swung and seamed, which meant the end of my day.
"It was important that Alex and I saw him off in the second innings and to finish at 251-2 was fantastic. Although we couldn't win the game, we knew we could take some momentum from it if we batted well and hopefully that is now the case."
Alex told this website: "It was nice to do the job thoroughly. Our top order have had a few fifties this season without going on to enough big scores, so I'm delighted Will and I were able to put together a really meaningful stand.
"It is the overhead conditions as much as the pitch which can cause problems for batsmen here at the County Ground. With the sun out it was just a question of applying ourselves to every ball and trying to bat for as long as possible.
"As a team we haven't quite put a whole performance together yet, but we will find our form. Today will give us confidence and we move on.
"Will is looking a very good player. He has a fantastic temperament and his mental application is as good as I have seen."
For more details on the final day at Bristol click on Cricket and then Match Reports.
Gloucestershire took seven points from the game and Essex 11.
