Somerset 219-2 beat Gloucestershire 213 by 8 wickets
Gloucestershire slumped to a big defeat after failing to score enough to challenge the powerful batting line up of the Sabres. A total of 213 all out was always unlikely to be enough to contain a side containing the big bats of Trescothick, Kieswetter, Trego, Jos Buttler and various others who weren't even required to bat.
Having lost the toss and been put in to bat, the early departure of Ian Cockbain brought Kane Williamson to the crease. We have high hopes for the Kiwi youngster and he and Gidders senior put on 117 in 24 overs, before Kane was caught behind for 47. Gidman made 66 (he can bat after all) and the only other scores of note came from Richard Dawson (a nine ball 23, having come in at number 4 was at least better than his bowling) and Jon Batty with 30 not out as the tail capitulated to young Lewis Gregory.
The total never looked like enough and Tres and Kieswetter soon got stuck in to our bowling attack. The South African-born Englishman is a merciless butcher of mediocre seam bowling and he enjoyed himself today as he scored his second CB40 ton of the season and took his tally to 308 in four innings. Trescothick hit a composed 51, before the shame of a dismissal LBW to bowling coach Dawson and Nick Compton put on 84 with Kieswetter to get Somerset over the line with six overs still remaining.
The Jessop Tavern View feels we shouldn't be too harsh on a Glos side who only yesterday drew with Middlesex in the Championship, plus are suffering from injuries to Chris Dent and Hamish Marshall. The CB40 is a long and grinding tournament (some would add pointless) which uses a 40 over format not played at international level. We're not overly concerned at losing to last year's runners up away from home. After all, there are another 41 group games before the semi finals are played (disclaimer: our maths may not be entirely accurate here).
Next up for the boys, Northants at Bristol on Wednesday. A far more important game and one which we should focus on winning.
A pair of long-suffering Gloucestershire County Cricket club fans attempt to put the world (and the Glos administration) to rights. Themes include: Is one England ODI a year a good model for financial success and ground redevelopments, whether a batting average of 35 in Division 2 of the County Championship is acceptable and why Glos continue to be rubbish.
A very watchable match. The batting lineup of Somerset,especially Trescothick and Kiewetter were far too strong for our young bowlers. No doubt it was good experience and added to their already steep learning curve. However churlish 'behaviour' from Somerset not allowing GCCC members into their 'members only' pavillions marred a decent day out. This reciprocal arrangement apparently doesn't apply during limited overs games. I trust GCCC will apply the same courtesy at Bristol and deny their members access too.
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