Cockbain Hits Century For Second XI
17 April 2014
Ian Cockbain was dismissed for 153 on the final day of Gloucestershire second XI’s friendly game with Glamorgan IIs at Cardiff Cricket Club.
The 27-year-old Merseysider overcame his disappointment over Everton’s home defeat by Crystal Palace the previous evening to build heavily on his overnight score of 41.
By the time he was out Ian had batted for five hours and 12 minutes, facing 257 balls and hitting 20 fours.
His efforts plus a half-century from Benny Howell and battling innings from Ian Saxelby, Patrick Griesharber, Liam Norwell and Tom Shrewsbury allowed Gloucestershire to reach 358 all out in their second innings, batting until tea on the final day before setting Glamorgan a victory target of 156 off just 24 overs.
Saxelby then claimed two wickets to add to his four in the first innings and helped secure an exciting draw.
Gloucestershire were on the back foot following a disappointing first innings total of 156 all out after winning the toss, only Dan Housego making much of an impression with 44.
Glamorgan replied with 359, Ben Wright leading the way with 150. Saxelby returned 4-71 from 22 overs and Norwell 3-59 from 19 overs.
It was Wright who almost guided his side to victory in the second innings with a half-century. But when he fell to Graeme McCarter (2-41) it condemned Glamorgan to finish just five runs short of their target on 151-6.
McCarter and Jack Taylor bowled tightly at the end to secure a draw from a game the hosts had looked certain to win.
