Date-stamped : 29 Apr97 - 06:17 Young glides into gear By Christopher Martin-Jenkins at Bristol Gloucs (281-6) bt British Univs (159) by 122 runs IT IS not easy, perhaps well-nigh impossible, for a scratch side of inexperienced under-graduates, talented part- time professionals though they may be, to come together in April and expect to better a county side. The British Universities looked likely to achieve it at Bristol yesterday only so long as they kept the early part of the Gloucestershire innings under reasonable control. The Universities` batting did not match the tidiness of their bowling and Mike Smith and Martyn Ball made sure the margin of victory on a day blustery enough to have made a Cabot think twice about setting out to sea, was a comfortable 122 runs. Even that was closer than seemed likely at the nadir of the innings, 63 for six. Gloucestershire`s prospects have been under written, if not written off, as usual, but the pessimism is not shared locally. With Jack Russell to the fore in all respects, not least yesterday with 28 off 15 balls and four catches, they have made a good start in three of the four competitions - won two, drawn one. What is more, incredible to relate, their membership is higher than at any time in their distinguished history. It stands at well over 5,000, and the takings are 20,000 up on this time last year, helped by an offer of free membership for any junior members paying more than 50 for new cricket equipment in the new county shop. Building is expected to start this season on the new Jessop Stand opposite the pavilion with the help of a 250,000 grant from the pools-financed Sports Ground Initiative. At present it is possible to watch from your car at that end, as warm a place as any yesterday to see an even contest while Gloucestershire, with Nick Trainor driving attractively, were reaching 167 for four in 38 overs. Steffan Jones, Robin Martin-Jenkins, Scott Boswell and Umer Rashid all commanded respect and the fielding was excellent, with Jamie Ford and the captain, Anurag Singh, outstanding. It was the left-handed Australian, Shaun Young, running aggressively between the wickets and striking the ball strongly off his legs, who first pressed the accelerator, a lead expertly followed by Russell and Mark Alleyne, who made 32 off 21 balls before, like Trainor, he was yorked. Rashid, who can expect more cricket as Middlesex`s reserve left-arm spinner this season, followed a useful bowling stint by helping the neat Toby Bailey to add 54, but some poor shots, including one from the hitherto prolific Ed Smith, had by now put the goal beyond reach. Source :: The Electronic Telegraph (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/) Contributed by The Management (help@cricinfo.com)