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Liam Shines As Leaders Are Humbled

17 August 2014

Liam Norwell (pictured) claimed four wickets and Chris Dent hit a half-century as Gloucestershire clinched their third LV=County Championship success of the season with a seven-wicket win over runaway Second Division leaders Worcestershire at New Road.

The hosts put up a stern fight after a ;poor first innings total and at one stage in their second innings were 321-5, leading by 137. Opener Richard Oliver made a career-best 179, including 23 fours and a six.

But Worcestershire were eventually bowled out for 360, Norwell wrapping up the tail to finish with 4-69 from 20.1 overs, while David Payne and debutant Mark Craig grabbed two wickets each.

That left Gloucestershire needing 177 to win, a target they achieved with more than a day to spare as Dent hit 51, Will Tavare 33, Alex Gidman 45 not out and Gareth Roderick 25.

Alex followed up his first innings century by scoring his runs off just 43 balls, with 7 fours and a six.

Gloucestershire took 23 points from the game to Worcestershire's three to move up two places to sixth in the Division Two table.

A delighted Alex Gidman told this website: "It was an excellent win, particularly as we know we can play better as a team. We have an honest group of players and we admit there is still work to do.

"We haven't had as many four-day victories as we would have liked this season, so it was very pleasing to come away to the leaders and win inside three days.

"Richard Oliver is a really clean striker of the ball and is difficult to set a field to. We have to work on ways of bowling to players like him.

"But I never felt the game was slipping away from us. Mark Craig and Chris Dent struck vital blows with the ball and then Liam Norwell produced a great spell with the second new ball.

"I always felt a target of anything under 250 was achievable. Liam ensured it was less than 200, which made a big difference."

Of his own brilliant contribution, Alex said: "It was a good cricket wicket and batting was a test. I started off a bit scratchy in the first innings, but managed to hang around and gradually felt in better form.

"It was enjoyable most of the time being captain again. This is a great bunch of players to lead in a way because they are so keen to learn and improve."

Alex was proud to be the first man to lead Gloucestershire to a Championship victory at New Road in 28 years.

He said: "It's a lovely place to play and I've been a few times but never won. To have done that was really enjoyable."

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