Star studded Masters tested by Academy

4:54pm Wednesday 25th June 2008

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THE PCA Masters made an excellent comeback to deny Gloucestershire Academy victory in their first ever game, held at Thornbury Cricket Club on Sunday.

The club put on a good show as lots of local people turned out to watch the likes of Devon Malcolm, Dean Headley and Mark Alleyne in action at the Ship Field in Alveston.

However the star-studded line-up were in all sorts of trouble when David Payne and Sam Pollinger took three early wickets apiece leaving the PCA on 67-6.

Former Essex opener Paul Pritchard rebuilt the innings with 74, and he shared a ninth wicket stand of 95 with ex-Gloucestershire player Martin Gerrard, as they reached 210 in the pro40 match.

The Academy looked capable of reaching the target when Tom Stayt, who has played for Gloucestershire at senior level, was at the crease.

Opening the batting, he scored a quick-fire 42, but after his dismissal the academy struggled to keep up with the required rate despite good contributions from Hamza Taj (38) and Masoor Khan (37).

Former Essex and England spinner Peter Such impressed with the ball, taking three wickets, as the experienced outfit came out on top against the promising youngsters by eight runs.

For PCA captain Alleyne, it was a special moment to be part of the event having spent 22 years with Gloucestershire and he saw a lot of promise in the young academy side.

He said: "What I saw today was a group of enthusiastic cricketers prepared to put in the hard yards, which is a good start and everything else will develop from there.

"The left-armer (Payne) bowled really well at the start of the innings, Tom Stayt has got a professional contract already, the opening batsman (Taj) played it nicely, and young Masoor, although he held it out at a time he shouldn't have done, played quite well."

Alleyne also praised his players. He added: "It is a bit of fun but underneath all of that they do some really sterling work for the PCA, so well done to those for turning out, and thanks to Gloucestershire for hosting this match."

The day was a great success for Thornbury Cricket Club, and plans are already in place for them to hold the same fixture next season.

Thornbury vice-chairman Richard Hawkins added: "Everyone enjoyed themselves and we did well out of the day.

"It was nice to see Mark Alleyne back at his home county, and as someone said to me, we never thought we would see the day where Devon Malcolm opened at the Ship End and Dean Headley opened at the Garage End!"

"It was a good game, there was some good cricket, and luckily the weather held off."