Prolific Trescothick continues fine run with century against Gloucestershire

Marcus Trescothick continued his tremendous start to the season with a fourth century in six innings to lead Somerset to a 108-run Benson and Hedges Cup victory over Gloucestershire at Taunton.

Without the injured Mark Alleyne and Ian Harvey, the Gloucestershire attack could not contain the England opener, who blasted 112 off 99 balls, with 12 fours and a six, as Somerset posted 262-9 after winning the toss.

Despite a bright start in reply, which saw them 70-1 in only the 14th over, the visitors subsided tamely to 154 all out, using up just 38.2 overs.

While both teams qualify for the quarter-finals, Somerset do so as group winners, having overtaken their previously unbeaten West Country rivals.

Skipper Jamie Cox's only concern will be the way his side slumped from 215-2, with ten overs remaining, when a 300-plus total looked possible.

Two run-outs and a succession of loose shots meant they fell well short, with Jeremy Snape collecting 4-32.

Trescothick had been in prime form from the start. He hit three boundaries in an over off both Jon Lewis and Mike Cawdron, who was also deposited for an enormous six over mid-wicket.

Peter Bowler provided solid support with a 94-ball half-century in an opening stand of 138. Then Ian Blackwell hit a brisk 35 to further strengthen Somerset's position.

Despite the middle-order collapse, it was a sizeable total and Gloucestershire needed a good start in reply. They got it through Tim Hancock, Kim Barnett and Rob Cunliffe.

Andy Caddick was seen off, but Jason Kerr came on to prove a more than adequate replacement, varying his pace intelligently in an accurate six-over spell that brought 2-13.

Kerr was also responsible for the key run-out of Hancock for 30 with a fast throw from third-man, which reduced Gloucestershire to 75-4. The result was never in doubt from then on.

Trescothick weighed in with 3-30 with his medium-pace and took a sharp slip catch to cement the gold award.