[Watch] James Bracey Honours David Lawrence In Tearful Eyes As Gloucestershire Win T20 Blast
Bracey shared an emotional trophy moment with Lawrence (X)
It was a night to remember for Gloucestershire as they clinched their first-ever Twenty20 title, outclassing their West Country rivals Somerset with an emphatic eight-wicket win at Edgbaston. While the victory itself was a landmark moment for the club, the celebrations that followed tugged at the heartstrings of all those present.
Gloucestershire share emotional celebration with David Lawrence after T20 Blast win
Club president and former England fast bowler, David 'Syd' Lawrence, who was diagnosed with motor neurone disease (MND) in June, shared an emotional moment with the team, making the win more emotional.
After a dominating performance on the field, Gloucestershire’s joy knew no bounds as they celebrated their historic victory with Lawrence, bringing a fitting close to a day that will forever be etched in the club's memory.
The celebrations took a deeply emotional turn when wicketkeeper James Bracey, with tears in his eyes, handed over the gleaming T20 trophy to the club's president, David 'Syd' Lawrence.
Diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease just a few months prior, Lawrence has been an inspirational figure for the club during difficult times, and the team’s victory in the T20 Blast 2024 final was as much for him as it was for themselves.
As Lawrence lifted the trophy, the emotional weight of the moment was evident. For the players, who had been determined to win for Lawrence, this was the ultimate reward. Bracey and Lawrence, unable to hold back their tears, embraced as they celebrated the club’s first T20 title.
T20 Blast Final 2024 Highlights
Matt Taylor and David Payne shine with the ball
Gloucestershire’s march to victory was powered by an exceptional bowling display, one that left Somerset reeling. Left-arm quicks Matt Taylor and David Payne wreaked havoc on Somerset’s batting lineup, each bagging three crucial wickets, sending the reigning champions packing for just 124.
It was a masterclass in bowling, as the two southpaws struck like lightning, delivering blow after blow to Somerset’s hopes of defending their title.
Miles Hammond and Cameron Bancroft seal the deal
Chasing a modest target of 125, Gloucestershire's openers, Miles Hammond and Cameron Bancroft, made light work of the task at hand. Hammond's fluent 58* off 41 balls and Bancroft’s measured 53 off 42 balls took the wind out of Somerset's sails.
The duo's partnership was as solid as a rock, steering Gloucestershire to victory in just 15 overs, ensuring there were no last-minute hiccups in their pursuit of glory. As the final runs were struck, the mood in the Gloucestershire camp shifted from tension to pure elation. But it wasn’t just the victory that moved the players—it was what came next.