C&G Final 2004 - Gloucs v Worcs

Lord's: Cheltenham and Gloucester Cup Final 2004
Gloucestershire v Worcestershire
Weston and Spearman guide Gloucestershire to fourth title in six years

It is with near monotonous regularity during recent years that the coveted C&G trophy has been held aloft by Mark Alleyne. Although they were pushed slightly further than last time round by Worcestershire, it was thanks to a superb Will Weston hundred that left the end result in little doubt.

Earlier in the day, Worcestershire succumbed to the length and variations of Jon Lewis, who has earned himself a spot on England's winter tour of South Africa.

Worcestershire lost Moore and Hick for ducks and were left reeling on 8 for 3 before a masterful partnership between Vikram Solanki and David Leatherdale helped take them past 200. Their partnership was all the more impressive in an innings which contained eight scores of 2 or under. Elegant wristy strokes were combined with resiliance and outstanding running between the wickets.

Averis and Lewis demonstrated the good old fashioned virtues of line and length to perfection, returning 7 wickets between them, and although challenging, 236 was never enough after Will Weston and Craig Spearman set to work.

The first wicket did not fall until the score was on 141, and it was in bizarre circumstances, as Spearman was caught sweeping into his foot off the bowling of Gareth Batty.

The only other casualty was Mike Hussey, from the bowling of Zimbabwean Ray Price, and the winning run was picked up with over six overs to spare.Food for thought for any who doubted Gloucestershire's credentials as one day king's after the departure of coach Jon Bracewell.

Worcestershire 236/9
Solanki 115, Leatherdale 66, Averis 4-23, Lewis 3-32
Gloucestershire 237/2
Weston 110, Spearman 70


Posted by RichardHi