Late slip-ups can't mask fine season at The Park (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

Late slip-ups can't mask fine season at The Park

12:18pm Wednesday 2nd September 2009

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3-D Sports Glos CCL Div 1.

Cirencester 144 all out, Frocester III 148-6.

CIRENCESTER finished fourth in Division 1 of the Gloucestershire County Cricket League after a last-day defeat at home to Frocester thirds.

After losing the toss and being put into bat, Cirencester got off to a flier with Rich Hudson taking three boundaries off the opening over. However, he then misjudged a delivery from Richard Woodmason and was clean bowled, a disappointing end to an impressive season as he topped 500 runs.

The consistent Nick Rutter (46) held the innings together as Cirencester suffered the type of middle-order collapse that has plagued them in the second half of the season. After being in a promising position at 43-1, Cirencester were deceived by the movement of Adam Mukasa who took 4-22 in an eight-over spell.

Leigh Jones (32) ensured Cirencester at least had a total to bowl at in his final innings for the club before he returns home to Australia.

Tom Waters and Iain Moore both gained an early wicket as Cirencester attempted to finish their enjoyable season on a high, only for Jack Purchase to push the visitors towards victory with a fine 39.

However, two excellent pieces of wicket-keeping from Tom Burgess – a slick catch and a clever stumping – got Cirencester back in the game as Jones picked up two wickets.

When Gareth Williams picked up two wickets in an over, holding on to a stinging return catch and then the beneficiary of a slip catch from Dan Hudson, Frocester thirds were under pressure.

However, Mukasa (31*) played well to take his team over the line.

Cirencester can be pleased with their best season in more than a decade and have a fine position to push on from in 2010.

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