Gloucester Gipsies 15 July 2025

Manager Nick Bishop

Won by 10 Runs

SOA 184 all out (Alex Wildman 52, Ed Phillips 48)

Gloucester Gipsies 233 for 7 dec (Dave Eaton 4 for 28, Jon Warner 3 for 27)

Grey skies and rain being in short supply this summer, the arrival of both didn’t prevent the two sides playing out a thoroughly entertaining fixture at Kingston Bagpuize, with SOA eventually getting home by just 10 runs.

 Batting first, the early loss of Pete King, who unfortunately failed to review his LBW decision within the 15 second window, put the hosts on the back foot for a while, however, Vinnie Connolly (21) provided good support to Ed Phillips (48) to build momentum and set things up for the lower middle order to push for a declaration.

 The declaration was not to be, however, Matt Warner (19) and a near run a ball half-century from Alex Wildman including 11 boundaries plus a quick dozen from Dave Eaton saw SOA’s innings to a useful close at 184 all out from 42.2 overs, with Jain, Wills, Richards and Kumar bagging a brace of wickets a piece for the visitors.

 Eaton then made early in-roads into the Gipsies top order dismissing Jones and Kumar in quick time. Hackett (18) and Engelbrecht (13) looked to restore some order and, although Jain (30) and Churchman’s E (17) and R (19) scored freely, SOA seemed to be in control restricting their guests to 133 for 8.

 Richards had other thoughts though and fought back with a splendid 31 (four boundaries, two sixes) before the returning Eaton (4 for 28) bowled him and, with Bressington unable to bat, close out the Gipsies innings on 174.

 Always an enjoyable fixture, this years’ match proved no different and we’ll be looking forward to heading back to Stowell Park in 2026. Thanks to Kingston and, in particular Jon Warner (3 for 27 and a marvellous curry for lunch), for hosting us in fine style.