Dominant Somerset romp to fourth straight triumph

Craig Kieswetter’s second century of the season in the 40-over competition was the cornerstone as Somerset made it maximum points from their first four games to maintain their place at the head of Group C.

The Gladiators were bowled out for 213 after losing the toss, Alex Gidman top-scoring with 66 and Kane Williamson making 47.

Somerset were never tested as Kieswetter and Marcus Trescothick (50) put on 96 for the first wicket in 14 overs. Kieswetter went on to make 108 not out, facing 102 balls and hitting nine fours and four sixes, as the hosts reached their target with a massive six overs to spare.

Gareth Rees’s sizzling unbeaten century ensured Glamorgan their first victory in the competition this season as they defeated Lancashire by 29 runs on the Duckworth/Lewis method after rain and bad light curtailed proceedings at Old Trafford.

Rees hit nine fours and three sixes on his way to a 103-ball 110 not out. The opener was ably backed by Alviro Petersen (44) and Jim Allenby (30) as Glamorgan moved into a strong position.

In reply Lancashire lost four wickets in a crucial five-over spell, leaving them behind on Duckworth/Lewis and, after heavy rain forced them off the field when 125-5, they returned needing 48 off three overs.

Glamorgan held their nerve as Lancashire finished on 143-7 from 28 overs.

Tim Phillips recorded career-best one-day figures of 5-28 as Essex hammered the Unicorns by eight wickets at the Victory Ground. Phillips removed Josh Knappett, one of only three home players to reach double figures, as the Unicorns could muster only 137 despite 58 from Chris Benham.

The Eagles then made largely untroubled progress to 140-2 with 5.5 overs to spare.

In Group A, Derbyshire registered a third successive victory with eight balls to spare at Worcestershire.

After winning only nine games in 40-over competitions over the last five seasons, the Falcons are already looking a revitalised team under Luke Sutton and comfortably chased down 172 to seal a six-wicket win.

In Group B, Rory Hamilton-Brown and Tom Maynard both hit half-centuries as claimed a 17-run victory over Leicestershire.

Ian Bell’s half-century was not enough as the Warwickshire Bears succumbed to an 18-run defeat against Northamptonshire.