Glos claim first win in Derby

T20: Gloucestershire 162-8 beat Somerset 141-5 by 21 runs

Different day, different weather, different location and thankfully different result for Gloucestershire, as a much improved performance claimed a 21-run win over Somerset.

Taunton was bathed in sunshine all day and the compact ground was even more a pleasure to watch cricket than usual; anyone making the trip was treated to the conditions the sport was made for. In total contrast to Wednesday's misery in the cold empty Cardiff rubberdome, this was an exceptional afternoon out as Glos dominated their local rivals.

At the interval the general consensus was that Somserset were favourites chasing just above eight-an-over, but the Shire were back to their best in the field and the target was defended comfortably.

I was most pleased for Steve Kirby, who answered any critics with a devastating spell. He found a perfect line and length to limit scoring, and picked up both openers in a spell of 4-0-17-2. He led the attack that rose to the occasion wonderfully to give Glos their first Twenty20 win of the season.

The twin spin attack of Vikram Banerjee and Richard Dawson was an inspired selection, as their eight overs went for just 50. Dawson also contributed 27 from 20 balls to bolster the innings, just as it looked as if tumbling wickets were again going to thwart chances of setting a competitive total.

There was a failure to build a big partnership, as batsman made runs in brief flurries, aside Craig Spearman's swashbuckling 51 from 29 balls that was the highlight of a frustrating Glos innings that seemed 30 runs short; the fielding effort proved this not to be the case.