YCs go down fighting in Gloucestershire

Date released: 19 September 2008

Playing in their final match of the season MCC's Young Cricketers (YCs) took on Gloucestershire IIs in a three-day game in Bristol.

MCC Young Cricketers got off to a promising start on day one. Put into bat, openers Ian Cockbain and trialist Chris Baugh saw the YCs past the 50 mark on a low, slow wicket.

Cockbain faces Gloucestershire's Tom Stayt Baugh departed for 19 and after a brisk 10 from Faisal Shahid - both were dismissed by young off-spinner Jack Taylor - the YCs set about consolidating their innings at 80-2.

Cockbain’s initial patience at the crease (he took lunch on 48 not out) gave way to an increasing dominance.

Cockbain salutes his ton Bad balls were ruthlessly punished on his way to a century - a second of the season having recorded 132* against Glamorgan II earlier this season as well as half-centuries against Surrey II and Nottinghamshire II.

With left-hander Rob Woodman bringing up a half century at the other end, MCC were looking to extend their dominance over the West Country side.

Cockbain eventually departed for a superb 118, paving the way for his team-mates to build on the momentum.

Day two

After a rain delayed start on day two, the MCC Young Cricketers resumed their innings, progressing to 399-8, at which point they declared.

Woodman top-scored with 129.

Gloucestershire IIs declared early, aiming to set-up a second innings run-chase. They closed their first innings on 161-3.

Kyle Hodnett and Jonathan Miles took a wicket each and trialist Gourav Dhar took a wicket with his first ever ball for MCC Young Cricketers.

The YCs added a quick-fire 82 to set Gloucestershire IIs a target of 320 in 96 overs to win.

Matchwinners

At lunch on day three Gloucestershire IIs were 90-2 and the YCs could scent victory.

However an upper order pairing put on 200 and no fewer than six dropped cathches cost the Young Cricketers dearly.

Celebrated Kiwi batsman Craig Spearman (returning from injury) scored a quick-fire 80 and Gloucestershire ended victorious with four wickets in hand.

Father's footsteps

That concludes a weather-affected season for the YCs.

Ian Cockbain will be hoping to build on an impressive first season for the MCC Young Cricketers and ultimately follow in his father’s footsteps to win a county contract.

Ian Cockbain Snr, also a batsman, played for Lancashire in the 1980s.