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Michael Leads From Front Again In Thrilling Win

18 August 2013

Michael Klinger was a delighted – and relieved – skipper after leading his Gloucestershire team to a crucial two-wicket win over Glamorgan at Bristol.

The victory kept alive hopes of reaching the semi-finals of the Yorkshire Bank 40 and set up the mouth-watering prospect of a winner-takes-all final Group C match against leaders Somerset at Bristol tomorrow week.

But in the end it was mighty close, James Fuller hitting the winning boundary off the penultimate ball of the game, bowled by Michael Hogan

Gloucestershire had looked to be cruising as a century opening stand between Klinger (87) and Hamish Marshall (55) put them well on course to pass Glamorgan’s 247-7.

But both batsmen were dismissed, as was Alex Gidman when he looked well set on 28, and it took a vital cameo of 23, including 2 sixes, from Benny Howell to swing a see-saw contest in Gloucestershire’s favour.

After the game Michael Klinger told this website: “In the situation we found ourselves you really need the batsmen who are in to complete the job.

“Unfortunately, Hamish, Alex and I were unable to do that today and it put pressure on our lower order. Benny came up with some big shots when necessary and we just about got across the line.

“We certainly weren’t at our best so to beat a team with semi-final hopes themselves is pretty pleasing and encouraging for the rest of the competition.”

Michael’s innings took his run tally in the competition to 662 at an incredible average of 94.57.

“I have always loved one-day cricket and have a pretty good record in it back home in Australia,” he said.  “But it’s all about the team for me and now we need one more big performance to reach the semi-finals.

“Somerset are the best team in the competition in my view so it is a huge challenge. We haven’t managed to beat them in three one-day contests this summer, but know a lot about them and will have home conditions in our favour.

“With the opening of our new pavilion scheduled for just before the game it promises to be a huge occasion and a terrific atmosphere.

“We have a big Championship game against Kent to come before the Somerset match, but we have a fit squad and can approach both matches positively.”

For more details of a great game against Glamorgan click on Cricket and then Match Reports.

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