Cricket Somerset see off Glo'sters to reach One Day Cup semi-finals

SOMERSET romped through to the Metro Bank One Day Cup semifinals with a comprehensive six-wicket victory over arch-rivals Gloucestershire at the Cooper Associates County Ground, Taunton.

- By RICHARD LATHAM

The visitors were bowled out for a disappointing 155 in 40.5 overs after winning the toss, as skipper Jack Taylor top-scored with 43. There were three wickets each for Jake Ball and Tom Lammonby, while Jack Leach sent down 10 overs of left-arm spin for miserly figures of 2-23.

Two rain-interruptions left Somerset facing a revised target of 149 in 45 overs. They reached it with more than 13 overs to spare, skipper James Rew leading the way with 46, and now face a trip to meet Worcestershire in the semifinals on Sunday.

Gloucestershire never recovered from losing James Bracey, so prolific in the competition this season, to the second ball of the match, bowled by Ball pushing forward defensively. The decision to bat first had come as a surprise as play began under heavily overcast skies, with the floodlights on, and a threat of rain later in the day.