Spearman ton scuppers Somerset

11:26am Monday 12th May 2008

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A BRILLIANT century from Kiwi Craig Spearman saw Somerset crash by six wickets away to rivals Gloucestershire in the Friend's Provident Trophy on Sunday.

After posting 290-6 thanks largely to an unbeaten 112 from skipper Justin Langer, Somerset reduced Gloucestershire to 159-6 and looked on course for a comfortable victory.

But Spearman had other ideas and smashed a brilliant 140 not out from just 119 balls to guide his side home. He shared an unbroken stand of 135 with wicketkeeper Steve Adshead who was 41 not out.

For Somerset, Steffan Jones (3-53 from nine) was the most successful bowler. Debutant Alfonso Thomas bowled a promising opening five-over spell of 1-25 before suffering a muscle injury.

After choosing to bat earlier in the day Somerset lost Marcus Trescothick for 14. His opening partner Craig Kieswetter (30) and Langer then put on 77 but after losing him, James Hildreth and Ian Blackwell quickly followed.

Zander De Bruyn hit 42 and Pete Trego blasted 56 not out from just 38 balls in an unbroken stand of 113 with Langer.

That defeat leaves Somerset behind Gloucestershire and Worcestershire, who have played a game fewer, in the South and West Division. Two sides from the group qualify for the quarter-finals. Therefore, Somerset must look to beat Worcestershire at Taunton on Sunday.

SOMERSET had to be content with a draw from their Liverpool Victoria Championship match with Hampshire at Taunton, which ended on Saturday.

Marcus Trescothick (151), Justin Langer (188), Zander De Bruyn (98) and Pete Trego (84 not out) were all in the runs as Somerset declared on 654-6, setting Hampshire 422 to win from 82 overs.

However, they never looked likely to go for the runs and closed on 198-1 from 69.

Somerset's next Championship match is against Sussex at Taunton and starts tomorrow (Wednesday).