They eventually end up sharing the spoils in a tie after a gripping four-day battle at Bristol County Ground. The final match of the game produced fast paced incredible performances from each team including outstanding batting and bowling.
Gloucestershire got off to a flyer in the first innings, spearheaded by monster innings from Bracey. He played a dominant innings to register an unforgettable 133 runs, with his team compiling a score of 380 runs altogether in the first innings. Miles Hammond was a key part of that day with a confident 84. The day belonged to Glamorgan’s Ben Kellaway, who produced a brilliant six-wicket haul, finishing with 6-111. His 4/37 spell was crucial in limiting Gloucestershire’s first innings total.
In reply, Glamorgan showed what they could do with the bat, posting a mammoth total of 528. Colin Ingram was the star of the show, making 117 runs and Chris Cooke scoring 75 runs. The outstanding efforts from the duo meant Glamorgan were able to build up an impressive lead.
Glamorgan’s innings was bolstered by a solid performance from Graeme van Buuren. The Gloucestershire spearhead all but ended Sri Lanka’s hopes of a great escape, taking 5-87. This incisive performance proved vital in trying to stop Glamorgan’s onslaught.
As the game entered its closing moments Gloucestershire’s top order batted in single figures and the pressure on their batting line-up began to mount. Ben Charlesworth and Todd Murphy featured to rubber stamp their ascendancy, guaranteeing them to take a lead into three figures. James Harris gave Glamorgan a glimmer, bowling Cameron Bancroft for 16. He then dispatched Joe Phillips, but was submitted by Asa Tribe without earning a point.
Despite these challenges, Gloucestershire managed to reach 255-7 at the end of their innings, finishing with a lead of 107 runs. The game finished as a draw, which kept Glamorgan’s hopes of promotion alive in County Championship Division Two gloss over the win.
Cameron Bancroft said he was proud of his team’s fight against strong opponents.
“It’s been an arm-wrestle, we probably got out-played a little bit and Glamorgan played really well but we fought really hard today – there was one goal, to bat the day, and we were able to do that.” – Cameron Bancroft
Glamorgan coach Richard Dawson was pleased with his team’s effort and the influence that Kellaway’s innings made.
“The lads have put in a serious shift today, Kellers with his spell backed up by the others and the fielders, the lads can be really proud.” – Richard Dawson
Kellaway’s well deserved eight wickets were seconded magnificently by his teammates who collectively maintained a consistent and thrilling pressure on Gloucestershire’s batters all match long.
With this draw, both teams will reflect on their performances as they look ahead to future fixtures in the competition. For Glamorgan, carrying this momentum will be key as they hit the road on their ongoing quest for promotion.
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