Gloucester.

Trip Start Aug 15, 2006

Trip End Sep 19, 2006

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Flag of United Kingdom Cheltenham, United Kingdom
Thursday, August 24, 2006

This will be my first ever 'declaration' game, in which one team bats until they are ready to declare and then the other team has to try and beat that score. Our location is Gloucester and our opponents are Gloucester City Winget. They are apparently one of the stronger clubs in this part of the country and they have a nice big ground, complete with groundsman, proper covers and so on.

We have won the toss and will bat first, ignoring the large patches of wetness that seeped under the covers onto the pitch overnight in favour of the 'always bat first' edict. Batting first proves to be an inspired decision, as Cyril and I put on 163 for the first wicket, taking full advantage of some short boundaries, over-attacking field settings and some unthreatening bowling. Cyril shoots ahead of me for a bit but perishes for 91. I push on and score my first 100 of the season, then get out straight after. We end up declaring 30 minutes before tea on 303-4. Lunch and tea are both delicious and the opposition makes a real game of it. In fact, their last wicket partnership looks like running away with the match until, with only 11 runs required, their big hitter spoons up a catch. It has been a very exciting match from the get-go, in fact the first closely-run game all tour. A neutral observer could hardly ask for anything more in a game of cricket.