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Russell sets the scene for final clash

David Green

Gloucs (261) bt Yorks (133) by 128 runs

Gloucestershire's hopes of winning the Benson & Hedges Super Cup on Aug 1 received a real boost as they inflicted a heavy defeat on Yorkshire, their opponents on that day, in front of a full house at Cheltenham College yesterday.

Yorkshire's target was formidable, even on such a quick-scoring ground as this one, and they made a wretched start, Mike Smith having David Byas caught off a mis-cued drive and in his next over having the struggling Greg Blewett taken at slip off a loose cut.

Michael Vaughan was brilliantly caught by Mark Alleyne at point off a fierce hit and shortly afterwards Kim Barnett's well-judged catch at long-on accounted for Craig White. Yorkshire's front-line batsmen, on paper a talented bunch, completely failed to meet the challenge.

Nor was there any sign of recovery as Matthew Wood chipped to extra cover, Richard Harden holed out at square leg and Gary Fellows ran himself out. Off-spinner Martyn Ball finished with five for 42, his best performance in one-day cricket.

Gloucestershire, who were put in, also made a poor start, Tim Hancock being caught behind in the first over. Matt Windows, never at ease, was caught at gully one-handed by Byas and Alleyne was yorked by Gavin Hamilton without scoring.

When Barnet also ran himself out Gloucestershire were 49 for four, but Jack Russell and Rob Cunliffe gradually pulled them round, then accelerated, the first 50 runs of their partnership occupying 12 overs while the last 83 runs came from only 11.

Cunliffe's competition-best 66 began uneasily, but he later played beautifully, hitting two sixes and five fours off 87 balls. The irrepressible Russell finished unbeaten with 91, scored off 89 balls, and hit eight boundaries.