Howell Half-Century Fails To Prevent Defeat
2 April 2013
Benny Howell top scored with 50 as Gloucestershire were shot out for 101 on their way to an eight-wicket defeat by Worcestershire in the 40-over friendly at Kidderminster.
The hosts won the toss and put Gloucestershire in to bat. After an opening stand of 20, David Lucas took the first two wickets by dismissing Chris Dent (5) and Dan Housego (1).
Gloucestershire soon slipped to 39-5 in the 13th over as Moeen Ali took the wickets of Hamish Marshall (23), Ian Cockbain (0) and Alex Gidman (8).
By the 18th over the visitors were 63-9, with Ali taking his fourth wicket to dismiss Jack Taylor (6) and Nick Harrison getting the other three wickets, as he dismissed Ed Young, Cameron Herring and David Payne, all for ducks.
Howell then took Gloucestershire to three figures, but when he was dismissed by Jack Shantry for 50 they were all out for 101 in 26.3 overs.
Ali took 4-39 off 8 overs, Harrison had figures of 3-26 off 8 overs, Lucas returned 2-12 off 5 overs and Shantry ended up with 1-22 off 5.3 overs.
In reply Worcestershire got off to a quick start as Ali and Daryl Mitchell put on 72 for the first wicket, inside 9 overs before Ali was out for 50.
Alexei Kervezee (12) was the second wicket to fall, at 94-2 in the 13th over, but Mitchell and Neil Pinner took the home side past their 102 target in the 16th over.
Both teams agreed to continue the innings until 40 overs had been bowled and Worcestershire finished on 278-6.
With new skipper Michael Klinger not due to fly into England until later this week, Hamish Marshall led Gloucestershire and will also be in charge for the two-day game against Worcestershire at the same venue, starting tomorrow.
Hamish told this website: "It was a poor performance today, particularly in the light of our encouraging one against Somerset.
"We didn't really turn up and there were no excuses because we had prepared thoroughly. We are not going to get too down about it at this stage, but clearly need to improve.
"Benny batted well without much support until Liam Norwell helped him in a last-wicket partnership. Apart from that there isn't much positive to say and we will be looking for better in the two-day match."
Will Gidman misses both games after straining a thigh muscle in last week's friendly against Glamorgan. Ian Saxelby and Paul Muchall are also on the injured list.
3-4 April v Worcestershire at Kidderminster
7-8 April v MCCYC at Shenley
For our full fixture list, follow this link http://www.gloscricket.co.uk/cricket/fixtures
