Cockbain urges fans to make Middlesex T20 Blast match go off with a bang
23 May 2014
Gloucestershire batsman Ian Cockbain is urging supporters to recreate the electrifying atmosphere of last week’s T20 match against Somerset when they take on Middlesex at the Bristol County Ground tonight.
Tickets are still available priced £20 on the gate for adults and £5 for people aged 18 and under.
The match gets underway at 5.30pm and Ian said he hopes the fans will play their part as the team looks to build on from victory over Kent in the LV County Championship.
He said: “It was a fantastic atmosphere last week and hopefully it will be like that again for Middlesex. With the flats up and the new Mound Stand it really holds the noise in. You could hear it echoing around the ground and it was a great atmosphere to play in.
“There were quite a few people dressed up, the music was going and the crowd were great – you could hear them from the middle and it really lifted the boys.”
Chasing 158 for victory Gloucestershire fell an agonising 18 runs short of their local rivals in the first game of the new NatWest T20 Blast. Although the team was frustrated with the result, Cockbain said they would take confidence from their bowling performance against Somerset.
He said: “It was a bit disappointing because we felt we had them there for the taking after our bowling effort. We were disappointed not to chase them down – we just needed one of the top seven to bat along with Hamish and get 30 or 40 to see us home.
“Somerset have a fantastic batting line-up and the positive thing is that if we bowl like that each week and back it up with the bat, then we know we can beat anyone on our day – hopefully starting with Middlesex.”
Gloucestershire will be buoyed by the fact that they have won all four previous T20 fixtures against the Panthers. And Cockbain will be hoping to play his part in a fifth successive victory, following a quick-fire 55 in a Second XI T20 match v Warwickshire at Cheltenham this week.
For an extra £12 visitors can upgrade their match day experience with dinner in the state-of-the-art Bristol Pavilion. Fans can book a table in the Grace Room and enjoy a home-made chilli and rice with a pint or a glass of wine. For more info call 0117 910 8014.
Gloucestershire’s home T20 matches will also offer wide-range of off the field entertainment. From coaching zones to climbing walls and zorbing to street performers, there will be plenty of fun activities to keep people of all ages occupied.
Ian said: “With the T20 games on Friday night it is a great way for people to start the weekend. “Because the game doesn’t go on too long and is full of action it is also a great place for children and families.
“There were a few stag dos in last week and they were having a great time. With Gloucester Road and all its pubs and bars so close it is an ideal place to start a night out.”
The game against Middlesex is also the first ever ‘Cricket Memories Match’. Held in partnership with dementia charity the Sporting Memories Network, the event marks 125 years since Gloucestershire played the first professional match at the Bristol County Ground.
To celebrate we’re encouraging people to donate their memories of the first time they came to Nevil Road. For more information click here
