Boorman Snatches Early Wickets as Storm Forces Gloucestershire’s Bright Start
Gloucestershire 107 for 5 (Boorman 51*, Allison 3-15) vs Worcestershire
The tall seamer removed Cameron Bancroft, Miles Hammond and James Bracey for figures of 3 for 15 from 14 overs, as Gloucestershire struggled to reach 107 for 5 after winning the toss.
Allison delivered a maiden half-century from Tommy Boorman, who scored 51 not out, just as Rain threatened to end proceedings at mid‑afternoon on the opening day of their Rothesay County Championship Second Division encounter against Cheltenham College.
By the turn of the day, the Festival pitch showed promise under its uneven surface. Allison and Tom Taylor combined quickly, taking their first lead with marginal margins. The momentum shifted early: in a collapse worth noting, Joe Phillips made 9 off Matthew Waite’s insides, and Price set himself up for a half‑century while Boorman recorded his third‑wicket take of three for 15.
A maiden half‑century from Tommy Boorman kept Worcestershire alive, preventing greater embarrassment for the hosts who had previously been battered. At lunch the scores climbed to 55 for 4, though Allison had already contributed nine overs (seven of those being maidens) by then.
What followed was a grueling battle. The two Gloucestershire batsmen linked together for 75, with Price grinding on for 117 balls and producing six boundaries. When Boorman needed time in a cramp, the opposition broke their partnership briefly until Boorman recovered and built on his form.
The opening delivery of the next over saw Waite dismiss Price to preserve his ten‑count, making it 103 for 5. Yet the resilient Boorman, now at sixty‑two, responded aggressively—nine fours in pursuit resulted in his first hundred of the season.
Clear skies evaporated quickly, and torrential rain swept across the ground, prompting authorities to call a halt to further play on the opening day. Waite secured figures of 2 for 25 from his spell of seven and a quarter overs, highlighting the steady bowling of Worcestershire despite the loss of the pitch.
