Essex produced a clinical display in the Metro Bank One-Day Cup, thrashing Gloucestershire by 130 runs at Chelmsford to boost their qualification hopes. The victory, built on Tom Westley’s commanding knock and a disciplined bowling performance, marked Essex’s fourth straight win and came at a crucial stage of the tournament.
Batting first, Essex posted 289 after a strong start was nearly undone by a dramatic middle-order collapse. Captain Tom Westley once again anchored the innings with a classy 92 off 103 balls, striking eight boundaries and dictating the tempo against both pace and spin. Westley’s rich vein of form continues—he now has 443 runs in seven innings in this competition, adding weight to his status as Essex’s most reliable batter this season.
At one stage, Essex appeared set for a total well past 300 as they reached 182 for 2, but Gloucestershire’s bowlers clawed their way back into the game. Jack Taylor was the pick of the attack, claiming a career-best 5 for 61, using the worn Chelmsford pitch to extract grip and turn that troubled Essex’s middle order. Despite the collapse, Essex’s tail managed to push the total to 289, a score that ultimately proved more than enough.
In response, Gloucestershire’s chase never took off. Early wickets derailed their plans, and they folded for just 159 in 35.1 overs. Jonathan Critchley starred with the ball, returning figures of 3 for 27, while Essex’s attack as a unit maintained relentless pressure, striking regularly and choking the scoring opportunities. The visitors lacked partnerships and looked out of sorts on a surface that demanded application and patience.
Although Gloucestershire have already secured the top spot in Group A, this heavy defeat exposed some chinks in their armor heading into the knockout stages. For Essex, this win is a timely confidence booster, keeping them firmly in the hunt for qualification. Their recent form suggests they could be serious contenders if they maintain this momentum through the business end of the tournament.
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