t20: Essex 163-3 beat Gloucestershire 162-5 by seven wickets
Gloucestershire's exit from the revamped t20 competition was confirmed with a trouncing at Chelmsford.
In the previous two year's the misery hasn't been drawn out for quite so long but in 2010, supporters have had to live through 14 matches-worth of indifferent cricket spread over five weeks before bowing out.
Gloucestershire were without James Franklin and more importantly, the in-form Will Porterfield. The loss of two top-order players who have proved very effective in this year's competition was a major loss, as Aaron Redmond again played an average run-a-ball innings and Alex Gidman failed to progress from a good start with 30 from 18 balls.
Steve Snell's late impetus was vital because the visitors looked horrendously short of batting. Gloucestershire could only post a score that has proved a casual flick off the legs for chasing at Chelmsford - particularly with Essex's strong line-up.
Gloucestershire also had no bowling to defend any score. A curious mix of bowling, including three spinners and weakened without Steve Kirby, couldn't contain Alastair Cook nor Ravi Bopara. It was their 119 opening stand that set-up a comfortable chase, despite Essex completing victory with only eight balls to spare.
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