Gloucester thrash Essex

Essex lost there fourth NCL game on the bounce, with a heavy defeat against Gloucestershire at Chelmsford. After being put into bat on a decent pitch, Essex were able to amass a decent score of 252/8 from there 45 overs.They were well on there way when the 1st wicket between Zimbabwean Andy Flower and Nassar Hussain contributed 83, only forFflower to fall for 39 off just 32 balls. Hussain was able to bat himself into some form with the test series only a week away, ending on a well crafted 98.However Essex's momentum was cut short by a flurry of wickets at the end of the innings, although Australian Ian Harvey ended up going for 60 from his 9 overs.


In reply however Harvey more than made up for it, and in combination with Kiwi Craig spearman put on a total of 201 for the second wicket. Spearman went on to make 101 from 93 balls, but even this was to a degree overshadowed by Harvey's wonderful 96 from just 55 deliveries, which included 5 sixes. The only Essex bowler to avoid any heavy treatment was Paddolino, who bowled 8 overs for just 29, a good return given the bowling figures of his team mates. Ulitimately Gloucester made it to 255/3 from just 35 overs, completeing a comprehensive win and a good workout before the 20:20 semi final on Saturday with Surrey.

Posted by ChrisS