GLOUCESTERSHIRE Over 60s produced a memorable team effort on the road to trump Suffolk by 27 runs and reach the last eight of the national championship.
The visitors, who won the toss, battled their way to a total of 265-9 with contributions throughout the order, led by England captain Ed Gordon Lennox (50), Steve Witcomb (38) and Razi Ahmed (37) while skipper Ian Robson and Matt Cannon both contributed 30.
Ahmed then showed his international qualities with a return of 3-39 from eight as the visitors came up well short at 238-6.
Gloucestershire’s reward is an away quarter-final today and another long drive, this time to Yorkshire.
Also in last eight action today are the Over 60s 2nds who booked a trip to Wales with a 28-run triumph away to Hertfordshire.
Andy Taylor (60) and Tim Smith (52) were the top scorers in the visitors’ challenge of 262-7 ahead of Herts being pegged back by Mark Moodie (1-32), Tim Cull (1-37) and Smith (1-31).
The 60s 4ths, though, slipped to a nine wicket home setback at Birdlip against Essex after being bowled out for 123.
Gloucestershire Over 50s 3rds, meanwhile, wrapped up their summer campaign with a mini T20 tournament, defeating their Worcestershire counterparts by 22 runs before also trumping Warwickshire by five wickets.
Gloucestershire Over 70s overwhelmed Worcestershire by 113 runs in a friendly. And there was also success for the 70s 2nds who overcame Wales by 82 runs, Ken Whitmore the pick of the attack with figures of 3-12 from eight.
The 70s first XI are next in action on Thursday, travelling to Bradfield for an away quarter-final against Oxfordshire.
THIS WEEK’S FIXTURES
TUESDAY AUGUST 19
Gloucestershire Over 60s v Yorkshire, away
Gloucestershire Over 60s 2nds v Wales, away
Gloucestershire Over 60s v Somerset, at Whitchurch
Gloucestershire Over 60s 4ths v Surrey, away
WEDNESDAY AUGUST 20
Gloucestershire Over 50s 4ths v Somerset, at Stroud
Gloucestershire Senior Women v Wiltshire, at Melksham
THURSDAY AUGUST 21
Gloucestershire Over 70s v Oxfordshire, away
