The Crusaders looked well set to make it five wins out of five in all competitions at the Walker Ground after amassing a huge 333-4 in 45 overs. Taking advantage of winning the toss in bright sunshine with a quick outfield, Middlesex were able to construct solid partnerships against the division’s bottom placed side. Paul Weekes, who went on to make 81, added 109 for the first wicket with Ed Smith (53) before the latter was run out attempting a quick single.

Owais Shah (55) made the most of being dropped by Steve Kirby when 13 to put on another 69 with Weekes before the all rounder was run out in similar fashion to his opening partner.

A final acceleration was secured by Scott Styris (42) and, more particularly, Jamie Dalrymple with a bludgeoning, unbeaten knock of 60 from just 24 balls. England’s John Lewis, who conceded 86 runs from his 9 over stint, saw his final over disappear for 21 including the last two deliveries struck for six over deep mid-wicket and wide long off. In total, Middlesex made 116 runs in the last ten overs and with the Gladiators facing a required rate of 7.42 runs per over, the odds seemed to be stacked heavily in favour of the hosts.

That, however, did not prove to be the case. The Crusaders bowled untidily at times but Phil Weston (70) and, more especially, Craig Spearman (109) produced superb counter-attacking innings which made sure they were always in touch with the rate. Alan Richardson’s opening over conceded 16 runs and Gloucester raced to 118-1 after 15 overs. Weston dominated the strike and took full advantage of the early gaps in the field, although he was dropped when on just 9 by new signing Peter Trego in the covers. Trego’s second over cost 20 runs and Weston looked like speeding to a remarkable century until miscuing in Weekes’ first over.

Nonetheless, Spearman now took centre stage after playing the supporting role earlier and he found a willing ally in Matthew Windows. Both played excellently and succeeded in turning the game completely in the visitors’ favour, even though Windows might have been snaffled by Hutton in the circle when on 34. Spearman brought up his century with a pulled six off the expensive Mel Betts before playing a tired stroke to Scott Styris. Windows soon followed, caught and bowled by a Betts full toss for 87, and at 288-3 Gloucester wavered just a little.

With 46 required from seven overs, then 37 from five, the Gladiators seemed to be panicked into rash strokes. Mark Hardinges spooned Weekes into the covers, then Steve Adshead got a beautiful delivery first up from the Middlesex spinner which bowled him between bat and pad. With three overs remaining, 24 runs were still required, and in Weekes’ next over Alex Gidman was pouched low down by Hutton to leave Gloucester 317-6.

For a little while it appeared that Gloucester, who have struggled to emulate their one day success of previous seasons, would choke after completing all the hard work. That was a belated aspiration though for a Middlesex side which had been given the run around for the rest of the afternoon, and the wise head of captain Mark Alleyne in alliance with Ian Fisher saw the Gladiators home with five balls to spare.

Please click here for the scorecard for this match

View a Printer Friendly version of this Story.

Bookmark or share this story with:

• Digg
• Delicious
• Facebook
• Reddit
• Stumbleupon