THE Gloucestershire League rallied in style from losing both openers for ducks to eventually defeat the Bristol & District League by 32 runs in their annual challenge and retain the GCF Trophy, at Coalpit Heath.
Key to the visitors’ recovery and eventual victory was Thiwanka Kekulawala (Cheltenham 2nds) who was in terrific form with bat and then ball.
The all-rounder helped weather the storm with a gritty 55 from 94 balls, sharing a stand of 128 for the third wicket with Devin Rogers, of Westbury-on-Severn, who hit the game’s top individual score of 71.
And Kekulawala, whose displays were crucial to Cheltenham’s promotion to WEPL, followed up with fine figures of 5-36 from 8.3 overs to close out the win.
Left to right: Matt Weeks, Bristol & District captain James Copeland, Gloucestershire league skipper Chris Job and Ian Purchase
His partnership with Rogers helped Gloucestershire total 201-8 from their 45 after losing the toss, Downend left-armer Will Duggan producing a terrific opening spell to finish with 1-14 from nine testing overs straight off the reel.
There were also two wickets apiece for Chris Cooke on his home ground and Charlie Mott, of Portishead, as Jack Groves (Chipping Campden) finished unbeaten on 31.
Bristol, in reply, made a steady start and appeared to be in control of the match at 87-2 in the 20th over thanks to an assured 51 from captain and opener James Copeland.
Bristol & District, back row, left to right: Ross Robbins (Hanham), Charlie Rustell (Bath), Ash Bonynge-Pearce (Golden Hill), Dom Hooper (Claverham), Chris Cooke (Coalpit Heath), Mitch Want (Cleeve). Front: Will Duggan (Downend), James Copeland (captain, Claverham), Hugo Highams (Golden Hill), Charlie Mott (Portishead), Ubi Abdoel (Claverham).
But the dismissal of the left-hander opened the door for Kekulawala whose victims included 16-year-old Hugo Highams, a late injury call-up from Golden Hill, who impressed with his fielding in the deep and a polished 38.
There were also two wickets for Harry Tegg (Corse & Staunton) as Bristol were bowled out in the 40th over, giving Gloucestershire their second successive victory and making the overall score two-two since the challenge match was inaugurated.
Umpires: Matt Weeks and Ian Purchase.
Scorers: Carol Froome and Sharon Gray.
Main image, Gloucestershire Cricket League – Back: Jacob Flowers (Tetbury), Luke Bond (Kingsholm), Jack Groves (Chipping Campden), Chris Job (captain, Tetbury), Harry Tegg (Corse & Staunton), Mohammed Bokari (Cheltenham), Harry Brownless (Cirencester). Front: Toriqul Islam (Ullenwood Bharat), Thiwanka Kekulawala (Cheltenham), Jack O’Connell (Lydney), Devin Rogers (Westbury-on-Severn).
