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That’s time on t20 - Sax's Blog

2 August 2013

4000 packed into Nevil Road last Friday evening to watch the game against Somerset. Unfortunately my wish from last week’s blog wasn’t granted as we slipped to a 9 wicket defeat. The hospitality marquee had to be extended to accommodate all our extra guests; 350 strong, plus another food outlet was brought in to produce the required amount of hot food , while more bars were in place to quench the thirst on what again proved to be a spectacular evening for cricket. Gloucestershire batted first but always looked under pressure to score enough runs on what looked like a good pitch.  Hamish Marshall top scored with 33 and Chris Dent made 29 opening the batting but we were only able to set a score of 125. Alfonso Thomas claimed 4 for 35, as he was rewarded for some accurate yorkers and variations in pace. Somerset chased the target with comfort, Craig Kieswetter and Chris Jones both hitting half centuries opening the batting. It was never enough runs to test Somerset’s powerful line up. The crowd didn’t leave too disappointed however, as what seemed to be over 50% of them had made their way up from Tauton. I made my way home after the close of play excited for a weekend away which I spent on the south coast of Wales in the walled city of Tenby with my girlfriend. Without sounding like to much of a travel agent our hotel was perfectly located overlooking the sea and the little harbour town and the weather held out just long enough for a quick lay on the beach. Yes I did have my sun cream on for those worried about my exposure to direct sunlight.

After a nice weekend in Wales (yes, it is possible) it was back to the office on Monday. I did however manage to negotiate a 10am start which enabled me to get my gym work done before heading for the tasks of the commercial department. This 10am start has continued all week, tough life I know. The boys were in preparing for the last of the FLt20 games against Glamorgan. The weather intervened so they were subjected to a running session delivered by the Strength & Conditioning coach Chris Bodman. I know where I would have rather been.

Tuesday. Our final t20 game and the lads really wanted to prove a point. They travelled to Cardiff determined to beat the Welsh rivals in order to take something out of this year’s competition and provide us with a little momentum for when we return to the YB40. Glamorgan posted 142, Benny Howell the pick of our bowlers: 4 over 2 for 25. His one day bowling has really developed recently, he has a big bag of tricks and he does like to use them all. Normally to great effect. A number of slower balls, bouncers, cutters and yorkers provide him with a fantastic armoury which many batters find hard to line up. With the complete reverse of Somerset we managed to chase the target down easily with us this time only losing one wicket. Super Michael Klinger proving again that the Australians can actually bat.

The office staff (including myself)  enjoyed a workshop on Wednesday delivered by Business West. It was all based around the website LinkedIn and the benefits it can have for us as a club at Gloucestershire Cricket. (Add our page if you’ve got an account: http://www.linkedin.com/company/3192690?trk=tyah ) Basically it’s like Facebook for businesses, however it’s not quite as fun as you can’t have a nose around other people’s personal lives. This may not be a bad thing though if you’re not interested in what someone you used to go to school with ate for tea or where your best mate’s sister is on holiday. At the end of my working day (4pm) I had to make a trip to the physio as my shoulder was playing up a little, nothing that a quick trigger point massage couldn’t sort out. If you’re thinking “I bet that was nice” I assure you to think again.

The boys travelled to Northampton yesterday to train at Wantage Road and to settle into their hotel for the evening. I saw that Craig Miles solved the problem which faces many a cricketer throughout the season, the inability of hotels to put a plug socket next to the bed to charge up your iPhone. He took a 4 gang extension lead…Team Player!!!!

Today is game day, a very important fixture for us. If we can come away with a win it would put us into a great position going into the back end of the season. Michael Klinger won the toss taking his season success rate to 12%. We are currently batting and it would be nice to post a good first innings score to apply some pressure on the home team. I have already been up to Cheltenham to deliver back one of our sponsored Mercedes - Benz. I had a quick look around the forecourt and I can tell you a few cars took my fancy. I best start saving up!!!

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