Wednesday, July 20th, 2022

GIBBON AGAIN SHINES WITH BALL AS SECONDS WRAP UP TEN WICKET WIN WITH A DAY TO SPARE

Ben Gibbon again shone with the ball and finished with 12 wickets in the game as Worcestershire Seconds defeated Somerset by ten wickets with more than a day to spare in the Second Eleven Championship game at Stourport.

The left-arm seamer followed up his seven-wicket haul in the first innings with another five-for as Somerset were bowled out for 304 in their second innings.

It gave Gibbon the memorable match analysis of 34-10-129-12.

He was well supported today by spinners Taylor Cornall and double centurion Kashif Ali, with two wickets apiece.

Worcestershire bowled out their opponents for a second time despite being a bowler short as Adam Finch was absent from their attack through injury.

They were left only 41 to achieve victory, and Cornall (16 not out) and Josh Dell (23 not out) saw them home in 9.5 overs.

Worcestershire collected a maximum 24-point haul from the match, 16 points for a win, five batting bonus points and three bowling bonus points.

Worcestershire resumed on 452-7 in their first innings, and Rehaan Edavalath added six more to his overnight 32 before he was caught at deep square leg.

Gibbon dominated the remainder of the innings in making an unbeaten 30 off 48 balls with five boundaries.

He added 32 for the ninth wicket with Pat Brown (8) before Worcestershire were bowled out for 505 in 115 overs.

Gibbon then soon had Somerset on the back foot during a 10 over opening spell either side of lunch, which yielded a trio of wickets.

Andy Umeed (9) was first to go when caught at mid-off by double century-maker Kashif Ali.

Ben Green (9) was trapped lbw, and Xavie Clarke (31) was bowled with the total on 71 to give Gibbon his 10thwicket of the game.

Spin then took command for Worcestershire with Cornall and Kashif Ali, ensuring wickets continued to fall at regular intervals.

Cornall accounted for Will Smeed (25) and Ollie Sale (21) – caught at backward point and cow corner, respectively – and in between, Kashif bowled James Hildreth (61) and trapped Will Smale (1) lbw.

Somerset stood on 269-7 at tea – a lead of five runs – and there was soon more success for the home attack.

George Thomas (91) went lbw to Ben Parker, and Gibbon polished off the innings.

Luke Pearson-Taylor (0) edged to first slip, and Alfie Ogborne (16) went lbw.

Cornall had figures of 21-3-86-2 and Kashif 11-1-49-2.