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Klinger helps end county trophy drought

Gloucestershire claim thrilling one-day competition win after dramatic collapse by chasing Surrey

While the coveted Australian call-up continues to elude him, Michael Klinger has consoled himself with silverware after his side won England's domestic one-day competition at Lord's overnight.

Gloucestershire, captained by Klinger, hung on for a nail-biting six-run win over a Surrey side that had lost three wickets in four balls to seal the victory at a packed Lord's in the season finale.

Klinger made a third-ball duck – a rare failure in English conditions for the Western Australia and Perth Scorchers batsman. Klinger was one of six victims for former England quick Jade Dernbach (6-35), who also claimed a hat-trick to bowl Gloucestershire out for 220 in the 48th over.

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Klinger falls to Dernbach in the first over // Getty

Surrey had seemed in control of the chase and on course for victory thanks to an assured 60 from Kumar Sangakarra. The Sri Lankan legend added 101 with Rory Burns (56) until both fell victim to the off-breaks of Jack Taylor (3-43).

Twelve runs from the 44th over left Surrey needing 36 from the final six overs and, with five wickets in hand, seemingly in control. Some tight bowling and clever captaincy from Klinger saw Gloucestershire tighten their grip.

Ringing the bowling changes and keeping fielders up in the circle forcing Surrey's lower order to chase the game would prove decisive work from Klinger.

Azhar Mahmood ran down the track and was stumped, leaving 20-year-old Tom Curran batting with his 17-year-old brother Sam. The elder soon perished, triggered LBW attempting a reverse sweep to a ball replays showed was going well down the leg side.

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Sangakarra lashes another boundary // Getty

But worse was to come for Surrey. James Burke was caught just short of his ground having failed to dive leaving Surrey needing seven off the final over. Sam Curran then thumped a length ball down long-on's throat and Gareth Batty was well taken right on the boundary line at deep midwicket to spark Gloucestershire's celebrations.

"It has been a progression over three years, possibly longer, and for the boys to come out believing in themselves no matter the situation is fantastic," Klinger said after the match.

"Unfortunately I missed out, but the boys chipped in really well and we got to competitive total.

"To be honest, coming here today you would take a win no matter what. Obviously I would have loved some runs, but we have had contributors throughout the season.

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Klinger said he had feared the worst when Gloucestershire were bowled out 14 balls left in the innings, but experience in tight games proved key.

"Not using up the last couple of overs did come into the mind," the Australian said.

"We have won from any position on a number of occasions and it will be great for this group moving forward by winning such tight games in finals.

"Since the start of this year, we did not priorities a single format. We just went out there to play at our best for every game."

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Geraint Jones with his sons and silverware // Getty

The match was also the final game for former England wicketkeeper Geraint Jones MBE. The Papua New Guinea born wicketkeeper was raised west of Brisbane before moving to England and earning an international call-up, playing in the epic 2005 Ashes series.

Jones famously held the catch off the glove of Michael Kasprowicz that gave England a two-run victory at Edgbaston as the home side defeated a storied Australian team featuring Hayden, Ponting, Martyn, Gilchrist, Warne and McGrath.