Maiden First Class Scalp For Matt
18 September 2013
Matt Taylor claimed his maiden first class wicket as Lancashire progressed their first innings to 292-7 on the second day of the LV=County Championship match at Bristol.
Having earlier had a catch dropped off his bowling, the 19-year-old left-arm seamer's big moment came when Alex Davies edged an attempted drive and was caught behind by Gareth Roderick for 12.
"I had been trying to bowl inswingers, but that ball held its line and caught the edge," said Matt. "It was a special moment for me and I'm absolutely delighted.
"I played in the last Championship game and created a few chances without getting a wicket so I just tried to be patient and hoped my moment would come.
"Alex Gidman apologised to me for dropping a catch earlier in the day, but I know those things are going to happen and I kept plugging away.
"We have a great squad and there is a lot of competition for places among the pace bowlers so it is very important to take your chance when it comes along.
"I am working hard on my strength with the fitness coaches and also on trying to bowl inswing consistently."
Matt ended the day with figures of 1-37 from 19 overs, but Will Gidman was once again Gloucestershire's most effective bowler, adding the wickets of Karl Brown and centurion Luke Procter to his two first day victims for a return of 4-58.
"Will is an outstanding bowler and a player we all look up to," said Matt, who had to bowl more overs than expected because Craig Miles, although fielding, was suffering from a sore back.
Lancashire had begun the day on 33-2 and were indebted to a fifth-wicket stand of 159 between Procter (106) and Tom Smith (88 not out).
It was Procter's maiden first class century. He had arrived at the crease with his side 38-3 and in trouble, but batted for just under five hours, hitting 14 fours.
For more details of Day Two against Lancashire click on Cricket and then Match Reports.
