McCarter & Taylor Sink Sussex in T20 Thriller
6 June 2014
Jack Taylor claimed three wickets on his return to Gloucestershire's team to help clinch a nail-biting four-run NatWest T20 blast win over Sussex at Hove.
And there were figures of 5-35 from Graeme McCarter (pictured), three of his wickets coming in the final over of the game, which began with Sussex needing ten for victory.
Ian Cockbain's 84 off just 51 balls led Gloucestershire to a formidable total of 189-6 from their 20 overs, skipper Michael Klinger contributing 28 and Hamish Marshall 24.
Then Taylor removed opener Matt Machan before adding the scalps of Ben Brown and Yasir Arafat in the same over as Sussex were restricted to 185 all out in reply.
McCarter picked up the important early wickets of Luke Wright and Ed Joyce to put the hosts on the back foot.
But the night also belonged to Taylor, who has been waiting eagerly to make an impact since having his bowling action successfully tested following last season's ban.
The off-spinner finished with the excellent figures of 3-24 from his four overs as Gloucestershire completed an excellent week after the Championship win over Leicestershire.
Will Beer and Steffan Piolet almost pulled the game around for Sussex at the death with a rapid eighth-wicket stand that left ten needed from the final over.
But McCarter produced a dot ball before taking the wickets of Piolet with his second delivery, Chris Liddle with his fifth and Beer with his sixth, all to catches by Dan Housego at long-off.
After the game a delighted Michael Klinger told this website: "It was the perfect way to complete a great week for the team.
"Dan Housego's three catches in the final over owed a lot to Graeme McCarter's execution. There was a short boundary on the leg side and he forced the batsmen to play down the ground.
"Ian Cockbain relished a chance to bat at three in the absence of Chris Dent at the top of the order and hit the ball really hard.
"We are not sure yet how long Chris will be out, but the good news is that x-rays have shown his thumb is not broken.
"All the players and coaching staff are particularly delighted for Jack Taylor. For him to turn in a performance like that on his first game back after all he has been through was a tremendous effort.
"I couldn't be happier with the players. We have had a tough period on the road and ended it on a real high."
Next up for the team, another NatWest T20 Blast clash on Sunday against Glamorgan at the Bristol County Ground. The team will be in high spirits and confident of another win in the competition after the result tonight. Tickets are available on the gate.
For more details on the win over Sussex click on Cricket and then Match Reports.
