Sax's Blog - Records Tumble
6 September 2013
Essex set 432 for victory last weekend and although nothing miraculous happened to force a win for the Gloucester’s, Gareth Roderick produced a knock of the highest class to avoid defeat. His second first class hundred in consecutive games frustrated the visitors who could only leave with a draw as the wicket flattened out on the final day last Saturday. Gareth hit 136 in a four and a half hour stay supported extremely well by Michael Klinger and Hamish Marshall. As stumps were pulled, Gloucestershire closed on 355 for 6, Will Gidman and Tom Smith the not out batsmen seeing us home. Rain and a failed lock on the umpire’s dressing room door did cause small delays throughout the 4 days, but both side fought hard in a game that went the distance. Sunday then provided a day off for all involved and gave everyone time to recharge the batteries, rest and prepare for the week ahead.
All returned back to work on Monday, the lads scheduled for training before the game against Leicestershire. We knew that we could really push for maximum points against a side who have struggled recently in LV county cricket. The lads prepared extremely well before nets took place, watching videos of the Leicestershire team to formulate plans to exploit their weaknesses. Michael Klinger and John Bracewell led discussions before all warmed up and commenced the practice. The commercial office, my adopted place of work, were busy preparing the event schedule, the pavilion, and the plans for hospitality for the following 4 days. This happens before every game that takes place here at The Bristol County Ground and at The College Ground, Cheltenham.
Tuesday saw me achieve my record time biking into work from Westbury on Trym, 16 minutes 52 seconds. I would have been much quicker but slow traffic and slightly hap-hazard breaking from our Director of Cricket in his 4×4 put a dent in my time. Talking of dents, he nearly found one in his back bumper as he decided to drop anchor at the bottom of Bishop Road for what I could see, no apparent reason. Leicestershire had arrived and were put into bat, Michael Klinger winning the toss and deciding to have a bowl. The decision proved to be the right one as Will Gidman recorded his best innings figures of 14-7-15-6, Leicestershire being bowled out for 117 in just under 42 overs. Our innings could not have got off to a better start with the openers seeing us past 150 before Chris Dent eventually fell on the score at 163. Although there were a couple of late wickets the day continued to be ours as we closed on 210-4.
We continued to dominate on Wednesday, day 2. Benny Howell and Hamish Marshall getting us past the 250 mark before the first wicket was lost. This brought in Will Gidman however who hasn’t had a great amount of batting to do this year as our top order have fired on most occasions. He had his opportunity here though which he grasped with both hands demoralising the Leicestershire bowlers as he past 50, 100 and his previous highest first class total to record his personal best of 143. As the day moved on so did Gloucester’s score, with Tom Smith chipping in with his first 50 for the club. By the time the declaration came the lead was 399, Leicestershire needing 400 to make us bat again. Day 2 closed with the visitors on 60-1, David Payne claiming the wicket of Greg Smith who fell LBW to a ball that swung back late.
Ned Eckersley frustrated our bowlers early on yesterday however he eventually fell to Tom Smith who got one through his defences to send him back to the changing room, bowled. It was then the Will Gidman show once again, as he ran through the visitor’s middle order fittingly taking the final wicket to produce a Gloucestershire win and his best match figures of 24.5-10 - 43-10. A truly fantastic performance from a player who I believe has earned the right for higher honours. Highest first class score, best innings figures and best match figures all in one fixture shows just how good he can be. He, in my opinion, is one of the best all-rounders in the country at present. Hopefully I haven’t just cursed him… Mother cricket can be a cruel mistress at times…
Today I have a feeling the lads will be enjoying a well-earned lie in and day off. Some may play a round of golf, some will spend it with family, most I imagine won’t see the morning hours. Reflection on a good win will be a priority, there is a week without a game now, with Lancashire arriving on the 17th September. Let’s hope that the good things we have achieved over the last few days are not forgotten and that we continue to apply the pressure right up until the last ball is bowled.
Sax
