Victory for Academy over Devon Lions
19 June 2017
Gloucestershire Academy recorded a fine 36 run over an experienced Devon Lions team at Heathcote CC. Having set Devon a competitive target of 243 for 9 off 50 overs the young Gloucestershire players completed a good all round bowling and fielding display by bowling out the Devon lions for 207.
However the game didn’t all go the Academy’s way. Having won the toss and electing to bat Gloucestershire got off to a very fine start. Milo Ayres (Brislington CC) looked in fine form peppering the cover boundary in a 13 ball 29, before he lost his off stump to the bowling of Benson.
The run rate was maintained by some equally fluent stroke play by Miles Hammond. However Ed Webb (Thornbury CC) and Hammond were then out in quick succession as Devon Lions started to work themselves back into the game.
The good start was further undone by the removal of captain Tom Price and Jordan Garrett. Benny Ellis (Lechlade) applied himself well for a well-made 34 but when he was bowled round his legs by the left arm spin of Pretheridge the team were in some trouble at 127 for 7 in the 29th over.
Dom Hooper (Claverham) however stepped up into gear and playing with increasing authority took the attack back to Devon with a fine display of controlled aggression. He found a resilient partner in the shape of Ollie Price and together they put on a crucial 82 runs in 16 overs. The total however got a further boost as George Pritchard found the boundary in a crucial 21 in just 11 balls as the final 3 overs brought 34 crucial runs.
In reply Devon Lions struggled against the accuracy of Hooper and Harry Jordan (Henley CC). However it was the introduction of George Drissell that started to turn the match in the youngsters’ favour.
Getting plenty of turn and drift he removed Devon’s top order with three excellent wickets. With Jordan and Pritchard both chipping in with a wicket apiece Devon were struggling at 61 for 5 but some excellent counter attacking batting by Thompson and Codd turned the game on its head, but an excellent catch in the deep by Hooper removed the dangerous Codd.
However Thompson and Glass both batting confidently and with the score on 193 for 6 the game was very much in the balance.
It was Dom Hooper who once again changed the game his team’s way with some intelligent bowling removing both players in quick succession.
Another wicket followed for Hooper combining well with Ellis who took an outstanding catch at long leg. Pritchard finished the game by bowling Pretheridge to wrap up a good win.
Man of the Match went to Dom Hooper for an outstanding all round display.
Tickets to watch Gloucestershire in the NatWest T20 Blast are now on sale, click here to view the fixtures and book tickets
