Gloucestershire (21 points) 280 (Taylor 61, Freckingham 4-69) and 191 for 1 (Klinger 103*, Dent 71) beat Leicestershire (5 points) 250 (Thakor 75, Howell 5-57) and 217 (W Gidman 4-39) by nine wickets
Day 3 Highlights:
Day 4 Highlights:
A first Championship ton from the skipper, Corporal 'Michael' Klinger secured a convincing first win of the season for the 'shire at Grace Road. The Jessop Tavern View has thus far been critical of Klinger's batting, so it was pleasing to see him hit back with a first ton for the county, while guiding us to a comfortable victory against Leicestershire. At the start of Day 4, a potentially tricky task awaited, with 172 still needed and the ball new and hard. Klinger and Chris Dent negotiated the opening half hour safely, then pushed on as the ball softened to post a solid opening partnership of 129, which broke the back of the chase. Dent struck a pleasing and needed 71 of his own, before being LBW to a Naik shooter with the last ball before lunch. The hard work was done by this point though, and Dan Housego helped usher the Corporal through the nervous 90s to complete his hundred with the winning boundary.
We can't help but be delighted with the win. Yes, Leicestershire look one of the weakest sides in the country, with a mediocre bowling attack even when Hoggard is fit, but you can only beat what's put in front of you. We're very encouraged by the fight we showed on Day 2, when staring down the barrel of a first innings deficit. We're also pleased that we showed some cutting edge with the ball when restricting Leics to just 217 in their second innings, thus setting up a very 'gettable' victory target. Klinger is obviously a decent player and we are expecting more runs from him, ideally in the first innings of future matches!
A pair of long-suffering Gloucestershire County Cricket club fans attempt to put the world (and the Glos administration) to rights. Themes include: Is one England ODI a year a good model for financial success and ground redevelopments, whether a batting average of 35 in Division 2 of the County Championship is acceptable and why Glos continue to be rubbish.
Monday, 6 May 2013
Wednesday, 1 May 2013
Glos in 'unexpectedly resilient effort' shocker
Leicestershire 250 and 32 for 2 lead Gloucestershire 280 (Taylor 61*, Gidman 52, Freckingham 4-69, Williams 4-69) by two runs
Highlights from Day 1 at Grace Road:
Halfway through today's play, we were feeling pretty downhearted. Glos were struggling and the prospect of conceding a first innings lead was looking likely, with the boys 101/5 at lunch. We sent some negative tweets and pondered life at the foot of Division Two of the LVCC. It had been a similar story at the end of Day 1, another day, another promising start with the ball preceded yet another let off as the opposition lower order again scored valuable runs to take them to a vaguely respectable score. All part of the ongoing narrative of mediocrity from Glos' inexperienced side, lacking in star power.
However, in the afternoon and evening sessions, a remarkable turnaround occurred. The last five wickets managed to add a creditable 234(!) runs, with young Jack Taylor starring with an unbeaten 61. Benny Howell chipped in a useful 52 to go with his 5-fer yesterday, as did Will Gidman. Even number 11 Craig Miles did well in putting on 41 for the last wicket and helping take Glos to a second batting point. It led us to ponder whether both sides had tried to old school cricket trick of reversing the batting order, to lull the opposition into a false sense of security. You do wonder whether Glos would have done this deliberately though, as in our school days the tactic was generally only employed when you had bowled the opposition out for under 50, as opposed to after they had scored a reasonable total.
There was more good stuff to come, as the ever-reliable Will Gidman struck twice with the new ball, to leave Leics in a vulnerable position overnight, with a lead of just two runs. You wonder whether our flaky batting line-up is capable of chasing much above 150 to win from here, but to have put ourselves in such a good position does say a lot for the spirit in the side. We may lack quality and consistency, as exposed by a superior all-around Northants unti last week, but Corporal Klinger's side don't appear to lack for heart. Encouraging stuff and let's hope we can press home our advantage tomorrow and get a crucial first win of the season. Fingers crossed.
For those of you who can't get enough of the Jessop Tavern View's cheery output, you will be pleased to know that you can now follow us on Twitter at @jessoptavern. You never know, if we get a few followers, we might actually be tempted to try for some pithy Glos-related quips in 140 characters or less
Highlights from Day 1 at Grace Road:
Halfway through today's play, we were feeling pretty downhearted. Glos were struggling and the prospect of conceding a first innings lead was looking likely, with the boys 101/5 at lunch. We sent some negative tweets and pondered life at the foot of Division Two of the LVCC. It had been a similar story at the end of Day 1, another day, another promising start with the ball preceded yet another let off as the opposition lower order again scored valuable runs to take them to a vaguely respectable score. All part of the ongoing narrative of mediocrity from Glos' inexperienced side, lacking in star power.
However, in the afternoon and evening sessions, a remarkable turnaround occurred. The last five wickets managed to add a creditable 234(!) runs, with young Jack Taylor starring with an unbeaten 61. Benny Howell chipped in a useful 52 to go with his 5-fer yesterday, as did Will Gidman. Even number 11 Craig Miles did well in putting on 41 for the last wicket and helping take Glos to a second batting point. It led us to ponder whether both sides had tried to old school cricket trick of reversing the batting order, to lull the opposition into a false sense of security. You do wonder whether Glos would have done this deliberately though, as in our school days the tactic was generally only employed when you had bowled the opposition out for under 50, as opposed to after they had scored a reasonable total.
There was more good stuff to come, as the ever-reliable Will Gidman struck twice with the new ball, to leave Leics in a vulnerable position overnight, with a lead of just two runs. You wonder whether our flaky batting line-up is capable of chasing much above 150 to win from here, but to have put ourselves in such a good position does say a lot for the spirit in the side. We may lack quality and consistency, as exposed by a superior all-around Northants unti last week, but Corporal Klinger's side don't appear to lack for heart. Encouraging stuff and let's hope we can press home our advantage tomorrow and get a crucial first win of the season. Fingers crossed.
For those of you who can't get enough of the Jessop Tavern View's cheery output, you will be pleased to know that you can now follow us on Twitter at @jessoptavern. You never know, if we get a few followers, we might actually be tempted to try for some pithy Glos-related quips in 140 characters or less
Tuesday, 30 April 2013
Another day, another Championship match begins- Leics v Glos 'preview'
This doesn't really count as a match preview, as by the time we realised there was a match on today, it had started and Leicestershire were already 35/4! This is arguably the battle of the wooden spoon contenders and you would think Glos would put out our strongest possible side in an effort to beat some fellow muppets of Division Two. With this in mind, it's not exactly encouraging to Benny Howell's name popping up at first change on Cricinfo. He has already taken 2 for 3 though, so it could be a masterstroke by King John and Corporal Klinger.
Not a huge amount else to say, other than the fact that Craig Miles has been drafted in to replace the crocked Liam Norwell. The rest of the side remains the same as the one who lost to Northants. We say this a lot, but it's time for Alex Gidman to hold his hand up, build on last week's 80-odd and score some blooming first innings runs in this match. You could hardly pick an easier side to score them against either. If you think we're bad, bear in mind that Leics lost to Leeds/Bradford MCCU in their match last week! They have a mediocre batting line-up and are missing seamers Matthew Hoggard, Nathan Buck and former Glos sprayer, Anthony Ireland due to injury. They do however have two decent spinners in leftie Claude Henderson (now 40 years old!) and off-spinner Jigar Naik. We have never heard of their other bowlers, Ollie Freckingham and Robbie Williams, although we're hopeful that the latter is the former Take That man. The Stoke lad always looked as if he had a fast bowler's arse and if so, he could prove a like-for-like replacement for Hoggie.
So, it's the battle of the dross in Division Two. Who will triumph? The Jessop Tavern View feels there are two likely winners, apathy and mediocrity. Reader predictions, as always, are welcomed!
Not a huge amount else to say, other than the fact that Craig Miles has been drafted in to replace the crocked Liam Norwell. The rest of the side remains the same as the one who lost to Northants. We say this a lot, but it's time for Alex Gidman to hold his hand up, build on last week's 80-odd and score some blooming first innings runs in this match. You could hardly pick an easier side to score them against either. If you think we're bad, bear in mind that Leics lost to Leeds/Bradford MCCU in their match last week! They have a mediocre batting line-up and are missing seamers Matthew Hoggard, Nathan Buck and former Glos sprayer, Anthony Ireland due to injury. They do however have two decent spinners in leftie Claude Henderson (now 40 years old!) and off-spinner Jigar Naik. We have never heard of their other bowlers, Ollie Freckingham and Robbie Williams, although we're hopeful that the latter is the former Take That man. The Stoke lad always looked as if he had a fast bowler's arse and if so, he could prove a like-for-like replacement for Hoggie.
So, it's the battle of the dross in Division Two. Who will triumph? The Jessop Tavern View feels there are two likely winners, apathy and mediocrity. Reader predictions, as always, are welcomed!
Saturday, 27 April 2013
Michael Klinger: No runs, but good common sense
Day 4: Northants beat Gloucestershire by 7 wickets.
There were no miracles today as Northants predictably wrapped up victory just before lunch. Glos could add only 19 runs to their overnight score but did then manage to take 3 Northampton wickets which, if nothing else, will make the defeat look less comprehensive in Wisden next year.
Speaking after the match, captain Klinger said that Gloucestershire need to learn from Northants 'mature' brand of cricket. Fair point. He praised the way that Northants bowled in pairs and made sure that they never lost clusters of wickets when batting. As much as these are good points, they are also the sort of points that you shouldn't really need to point out to professional cricketers.
If the result wasn't disappointing enough, injuries prevented both Benny Howell and Liam Norwell from taking the field in Northants second innings. Benny apparently has a bruised hand; Norwell has a groin strain. Both are doubtful for Wednesdays trip to Leicestershire (on a completely different point; isn't it nice that championship games have fixed start days) Back to injuries. Before this season started we noted that the squad was painfully thin. Injuries to Ian Saxelby and Paul Muchall and now Benny and Norwell. Those are the sorts of things you can't afford when you are struggling for a quality first xi. Presumably Ian Cockbain will be on stand by for Benny and young Craig Miles will take Liam Norwell's spot. Norwell's injury is a particular concern given his fragile body over the past couple of seasons.
As much as Michael Klinger might be talking common sense perhaps we can add a few extra things that he didn't actually say, but is probably now starting to think. "Christ mate, I wish we had some bloody mature gritty county trundler who can run in all day and put the ball on the spot". Gloucestershires most experienced bowler is Will Gidman, a man with only two full seasons under his belt. Compare this to Northants who can add the grizzled Andrew Hall and test credentials of Trent Copeland to their young stud, David Willey. Anyone know whether John Lewis is bored of playing in Surrey's 2nd xi?
Next week Gloucestershire travel to Leicestershire. Does county cricket have the equivalent of the relegation six pointer?
There were no miracles today as Northants predictably wrapped up victory just before lunch. Glos could add only 19 runs to their overnight score but did then manage to take 3 Northampton wickets which, if nothing else, will make the defeat look less comprehensive in Wisden next year.
Speaking after the match, captain Klinger said that Gloucestershire need to learn from Northants 'mature' brand of cricket. Fair point. He praised the way that Northants bowled in pairs and made sure that they never lost clusters of wickets when batting. As much as these are good points, they are also the sort of points that you shouldn't really need to point out to professional cricketers.
If the result wasn't disappointing enough, injuries prevented both Benny Howell and Liam Norwell from taking the field in Northants second innings. Benny apparently has a bruised hand; Norwell has a groin strain. Both are doubtful for Wednesdays trip to Leicestershire (on a completely different point; isn't it nice that championship games have fixed start days) Back to injuries. Before this season started we noted that the squad was painfully thin. Injuries to Ian Saxelby and Paul Muchall and now Benny and Norwell. Those are the sorts of things you can't afford when you are struggling for a quality first xi. Presumably Ian Cockbain will be on stand by for Benny and young Craig Miles will take Liam Norwell's spot. Norwell's injury is a particular concern given his fragile body over the past couple of seasons.
As much as Michael Klinger might be talking common sense perhaps we can add a few extra things that he didn't actually say, but is probably now starting to think. "Christ mate, I wish we had some bloody mature gritty county trundler who can run in all day and put the ball on the spot". Gloucestershires most experienced bowler is Will Gidman, a man with only two full seasons under his belt. Compare this to Northants who can add the grizzled Andrew Hall and test credentials of Trent Copeland to their young stud, David Willey. Anyone know whether John Lewis is bored of playing in Surrey's 2nd xi?
Next week Gloucestershire travel to Leicestershire. Does county cricket have the equivalent of the relegation six pointer?
Friday, 26 April 2013
Northants close in on victory
Day 3: Gloucestershire 192 and 280 for 9 lead Northants by 68 runs.
So, let's cut to the chase and consider the question that all Gloucestershire fans will be wondering; what's the chance of rain tomorrow?
Sadly, not great if the weather channel prove to be correct.
Unless something remarkable happens, Northants will wrap up a thoroughly deserved victory. Glos will go and dwell on a few positives from their second innings fight. At 109 for 4, and opening game centurions Dan Housego and Hamish O'Marshall joining captain Michael Klinger back in the pavilion the odds were on for a dispiriting innings defeat. Instead, lead by former skipper Alex Gidman, Glos fought back to at least take the game into a fourth day and make Northants bat again. When you finish bottom of the county championship you have to take whatever small victories you can.
The disappointing aspect of today's batting effort was that several plays got themselves into a position to play the sort of knock that could have seriously given Northants the jitters. Sadly neither Dent, Gidman or Benny could convert their half centuries into anything more meaningful. Young Cameron Herring also displayed encouraging signs of his potential with a second half decent contribution of the match. Gloucestershire will now rue the lack of runs in this match from messers Housego, Klinger and O'Mish who contributed only 44 runs in 6 innings between them. When half of your batting lineup scores less than fifty in the entire match you ain't going to win many matches.
So, let's cut to the chase and consider the question that all Gloucestershire fans will be wondering; what's the chance of rain tomorrow?
Sadly, not great if the weather channel prove to be correct.
Unless something remarkable happens, Northants will wrap up a thoroughly deserved victory. Glos will go and dwell on a few positives from their second innings fight. At 109 for 4, and opening game centurions Dan Housego and Hamish O'Marshall joining captain Michael Klinger back in the pavilion the odds were on for a dispiriting innings defeat. Instead, lead by former skipper Alex Gidman, Glos fought back to at least take the game into a fourth day and make Northants bat again. When you finish bottom of the county championship you have to take whatever small victories you can.
The disappointing aspect of today's batting effort was that several plays got themselves into a position to play the sort of knock that could have seriously given Northants the jitters. Sadly neither Dent, Gidman or Benny could convert their half centuries into anything more meaningful. Young Cameron Herring also displayed encouraging signs of his potential with a second half decent contribution of the match. Gloucestershire will now rue the lack of runs in this match from messers Housego, Klinger and O'Mish who contributed only 44 runs in 6 innings between them. When half of your batting lineup scores less than fifty in the entire match you ain't going to win many matches.
Northants close in on comprehensive victory
Day 2: Glos 192 and 34 for 1 v Northants 404.
Call off the champagne. Cancel the double decker bus victory parade. Gloucestershire aren't going to cruise to promotion and glory. After the positivity of the opening game, the Jessop Tavern View is now feeling as hesitant and unsure as Alex Gidman's footwork about what this season has in store.
Gloucestershire were rolled over by a very handy Northants attack and then conceded a first innings lead of 212. It could have been slightly different. At one point during the afternoon Gloucestershire had Northants at 283 for 8. Had they managed to finish the job and only concede a lead of around a hundred then the picture would be very different. As it is, with captain Michael Klinger already back in the hutch and appearing to have begun this season as he finished the Sheffield Shield, the question really is when will Northants win, rather than if.
King John sums up what went wrong with the bowling very nicely:
Call off the champagne. Cancel the double decker bus victory parade. Gloucestershire aren't going to cruise to promotion and glory. After the positivity of the opening game, the Jessop Tavern View is now feeling as hesitant and unsure as Alex Gidman's footwork about what this season has in store.
Gloucestershire were rolled over by a very handy Northants attack and then conceded a first innings lead of 212. It could have been slightly different. At one point during the afternoon Gloucestershire had Northants at 283 for 8. Had they managed to finish the job and only concede a lead of around a hundred then the picture would be very different. As it is, with captain Michael Klinger already back in the hutch and appearing to have begun this season as he finished the Sheffield Shield, the question really is when will Northants win, rather than if.
King John sums up what went wrong with the bowling very nicely:
"With three seamers out injured, this is our A team. We showed in the first Championship game that we can perform, but we need to be consistent."
We can't say it any better.
We can't say it any better.
All of these young bowlers have, in the past few seasons, demonstrated that they have ability. However, bowling is all about consistency and it will be a long season if this isn't rectified. The absence of Ian Saxelby is particularly hard felt. Saxelby offers the Glos attack a little bit more experience and that all-important consistency.
What happens today will show us a lot about the Gloucestershire side. Do the boys have the application to bat all day and at least make Northants bat again? We remember having these crucuial moments at several points last season. Not so much crucial in terms of the result, but crucial in building confidence and demonstrating fight. We don't mind supporting a crap cricket team as long as it shows a willingness to fight.
Wednesday, 24 April 2013
Match Preview: Glos v Northants
Gloucestershire return to action today after a well earned week off following their encouraging start to the Championship season against Essex. They welcome to Bristol a Northants side who seem to have banished last year's demons and are fresh off giving Essex a good old spanking last week by an innings and 9 runs. As comprehensive as this result seems Northants first innings did include a slightly improbable-sounding 228 runs for their last two wickets.
Northants seem to possess a nicely rounded bowling attack. Trent Copeland might be one of a handful of quicks Australia have used over the last few years, but he has played test cricket without humiliating himself and so will pose a threat. He is complimented by the ageless South African grinder Andrew Hall and young up and coming left armer David Willey who took 8 for 110 in the match last week. Compare this attack to Gloucestershire's threadbare one and this is presumably where the game will be won or lost.
Gloucestershire have opted to pick 3 seamers and Jack Taylor as their attack after James Fuller broke his finger against Essex. It will be a real test for this unit to take 20 wickets agaianst an experienced Northants batting lineup.
Glos also choose to go with young Cameron Herring behind the stumps. We'd didn't hear any grumblings about his keeping in the opening match which we presume is a good thing. Interestingly both of Gloucestershire's other stumpers, Richard Coughtrie and Gareth Roderick, scored hundreds for the 2nd XI this week. Competition can only be good for what has been a problem position for Glos in recent seasons.
Northants seem to possess a nicely rounded bowling attack. Trent Copeland might be one of a handful of quicks Australia have used over the last few years, but he has played test cricket without humiliating himself and so will pose a threat. He is complimented by the ageless South African grinder Andrew Hall and young up and coming left armer David Willey who took 8 for 110 in the match last week. Compare this attack to Gloucestershire's threadbare one and this is presumably where the game will be won or lost.
Gloucestershire have opted to pick 3 seamers and Jack Taylor as their attack after James Fuller broke his finger against Essex. It will be a real test for this unit to take 20 wickets agaianst an experienced Northants batting lineup.
Glos also choose to go with young Cameron Herring behind the stumps. We'd didn't hear any grumblings about his keeping in the opening match which we presume is a good thing. Interestingly both of Gloucestershire's other stumpers, Richard Coughtrie and Gareth Roderick, scored hundreds for the 2nd XI this week. Competition can only be good for what has been a problem position for Glos in recent seasons.
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