Ollie Price’s Heroics Lead Gloucestershire to Victory
Ollie Price delivered an impressive half-century under pressure, guiding Gloucestershire to a thrilling seven-wicket win against Northamptonshire on the last day of their County Championship Division Two match at the Seat Unique Stadium.
Chasing the Target
Set a target of 158 runs in 27 overs, Gloucestershire accomplished their goal with 18 balls remaining. Price led the charge with a score of 54 from 58 balls, supported by Miles Hammond’s unbeaten 38 and Graeme van Buuren’s 20 not out, marking only the second victory for the home team this season.
Gloucestershire’s First Innings
Starting with a score of 158-5, Gloucestershire managed to add 83 more runs in the morning session, taking a first-innings lead of 35. Jack Taylor contributed significantly with 63 runs, while van Buuren added 44. The home side was eventually bowled out for 241 in 64 overs, with Justin Broad claiming 3-82.
Northamptonshire’s Struggles
In their second innings, Northamptonshire was dismissed for just 192 in 51 overs, with Ajeet Singh Dale taking 4-46 and Ben Charlesworth claiming 3-6. Broad was the only batsman to offer resistance, scoring 49 runs in a patient innings lasting nearly two and a half hours.
Price and Charlesworth Build Momentum
Price and Charlesworth set a solid foundation for the chase, forming a second-wicket partnership of 52 runs in 8.3 overs, which kept fans engaged. Their partnership ended when Sanderson dismissed Charlesworth for 33, putting additional strain on the visitors who had already lost Procter to injury.
Creating Doubts in Opponents
With 53 runs needed from the last 10 overs, Gloucestershire appeared in control. Price reached his half-century with his fifth boundary but fell to Rob Keogh shortly after. Van Buuren and Hammond hit sixes off the same bowler, easing the tension. Hammond sealed the win with an emphatic six, striking down the ground.
Standings and Match Overview
Gloucestershire now sits third in Division Two with 19 points, while Northamptonshire earned three points. The exciting finish seemed unlikely when Gloucestershire resumed their first innings on 158-5, but quick runs from Taylor revitalized their position, proving crucial for their performance.
