Cockbain On Fire As Sussex Are Beaten
4 July 2014
Ian Cockbain blasted 52 off 36 balls as Gloucestershire produced another winning NatWest T20 Blast performance at the Bristol County Ground, beating Sussex by 13 runs.
The Sky TV cameras were present to see the hosts run up 138-7 after losing the toss in a game reduced to 15 overs per side by rain.
Cockbain received good support from Alex Gidman (22) and Will Gidman (26 not out), while Graeme McCarter blasted 16 off five balls at the end of the innings.
The weather was gloomy throughout the evening and conditions were positively dark by the end. But that didn't stop Hamish Marshall and Alex Gidman pulling off spectacular catches in the closing overs to clinch the result.
Sussex were bowled out for 125, Jack Taylor claiming 3-12 from 2.4 overs. There were two wickets each for Will Gidman, McCarter and David Payne.
At the end of the game director of cricket John Bracewell told this website: "We are starting to play some confident T20 cricket and the players are getting used to their roles. With the amount of games they play in the format, they are bound to improve.
"It's nice to see us getting some sort of momentum, particularly without overseas players, and we are putting together some very competitive performances.
"It was gloomy at the end, but great that the game was played in the circumstances. We have been on the wrong end of conditions in some games and it is swings and roundabouts.
"This was a big match for both clubs if we want to grab that fourth place in the South Division which will mean the quarter-finals.
"It was great entertainment and by winning we have kept ourselves in the hunt. Ian Cockbain has been a good one-day batsman for three or four years, but is now becoming a more rounded cricketer.
"Both spinners played their part tonight and particularly Jack Taylor, who produced a great over at the end when we needed it."
The outcome saw Gloucestershire follow up their thrilling last ball victory over Kent and draw level with Sussex on eight points in the South Division, both three behind Glamorgan, who occupy fourth position.
For full details of another exciting win click on Cricket and then Match Reports
