Despite the return of their two England players Andy Caddick and Marcus Trescothick, Somerset continued their disappointing run in the Benson and Hedges Cup when they lost their penultimate first round match to old rivals Gloucestershire by 39 runs at Bristol today.

After batting first Gloucestershire scored 270 for 7, with veteran opener Kim Barnett contributing 67 and skipper Mark Alleyne 47.The pick of the Somerset bowlers was Keith Dutch who took 2 for 43 in his 9 overs.

When they batted the Cidermen they lost two early wickets when Matt Wood and Jamie Cox were dismissed cheaply before Marcus Trescothick(47) and Mike Burns(61) steadied the situation.

However despite another late rally by Keith Dutch (45) and Rob Turner(36) Somerset fell 39 runs short of the Gloucestershire total of 270. For the home side Aussie all rounder Ian Harvey did the damage taking 5 for 20.

After the end of the game Somerset coach Kevin Shine told me: "Of course we are disappointed. We always are when we lose, especially after we had a bit of a comeback with Dutchy and Noddy. Even though that means the end of the Benson's for us this season we will be going out tomorrow to try to get back to winning ways and then focus on the county championship match on Wednesday."

He continued: "Yes it has been a disappointing start to the season especially after the success of last year, and yes we are worried. We have had a few discussions about the situation and whilst we are worried about the disappointing start this is by no means panic stations, and people should remember that we didn't start all that well last season."

Tomorrow Somerset entertain Worcestershire at the County Ground, and for their final Benson and Hedges match ever Kevin Shine has named the same squad who played at Bristol today.

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