Gloucestershire over 50s A reach National Final

STROUD based players helped Gloucestershire to victory in the over 50s A National semi-final against Hampshire at Hatherley and Reddings this week.

Skipper Tim Smith from Haresfield Gladiators lost the toss and Hampshire decided to bowl in wet and overcast conditions, opening the batting for Gloucestershire were Tony Clarkson and Rob Austen from Frocester who started cautiously against an accurate attack but once established put on 100 runs for the first wicket before Rob Austen was run out for a fine 53.

Next to fall was Tony Clarkson for a fine 73 which brought in skipper Tim Smith who put on 50 runs with Hugh Leek from Apperley before being bowled for a quick-fire 20 no more wickets fell and Leek finished unbeaten on 145 at the close, this was the third ton of the season for Gloucestershire with Tim Smith contributing the other two.

Opening the bowling for Gloucestershire was Rob Gaffney from Haresfield Gladiators who quickly clean bowled two of the Hampshire top three and with Phil Edge from Hatherley and Reddings taking two wickets Hampshire were reduced to 48-4 off 16 overs and the game was effectively won, Hampshire battled to 210-7 off their 45 overs and will play Oxfordshire in the final at Trowbridge on September 8.

There have also been significant contributions from Steve Pennington from Oldlands during the run to the semi-final where Gloucestershire won nine and lost only one of their group games that included Wales, Cornwall, Somerset, Devon and Dorset in their most successful season in seniors cricket to date