Match celebrates Hancock's heroics (From Gazette Series)

Match celebrates Hancock's heroics

THE Tim Hancock Benefit match was held at Stone Cricket Club last week and was a huge success, with a strong Gloucestershire team gaining a 61-run victory over Stone.

The match, which took place at Stone's Swanley ground, was played in front of a whopping attendance of approximately 300 fans, with cricket lovers able to see some of the biggest names in the county.

Among them was fast bowler Jon Lewis, who starred for England on Monday in the country's first ever international Twenty20 match against Australia.

Lewis, who gained four wickets on Monday, actually opened the batting for Gloucestershire in the benefit match, scoring 72 as the visitors posted a total of 167-4.

Brad Thomas was the star of the Stone attack, claiming the wickets of Lewis and Hancock.

In reply, Stone finished on 106ao after a ruthless display of bowling from the county side. Once again, Thomas made a big impression as he hit 43, while Rockhampton guest star Will Tyler made 24. Sixteen-year-old Miles Palmer also caught the eye with his 18.

It was a memorable night for the club, with Hancock giving some coaching to a host of younger players before the game began. The match was a special tribute to the long-serving batsman, who has been at Gloucestershire since 1991.