Dent Ton Inspires Victory At Taunton
25 March 2013
Chris Dent warmed up for the new season with a rapid century against Somerset in the 50-over friendly match at Taunton
Play commenced in Taunton at 11.00 am. Somerset won the toss and elected to field, but were soon made to rue the decision as Dent cut loose.
The opener reached his ton off just 75 balls, with 9 sixes and 6 fours, as Gloucestershire posted an impressive 374 all out from their 50 overs.
Dent had made 125 when bowled by left-arm spinner Jack Leach. By the end of the 30th over, Gloucestershire had reached 210-3, with Dan Housego having contributed 40.
Then Alex and Will Gidman took up the attack, Alex smashing 70 off 51 balls, with 3 sixes and 8 fours, while his brother hit a 42-ball half-century, including 3 fours and 2 sixes.
Will was eventually dismissed for 51 in the penultimate over as flakes of snow fell over the County Ground on a bitterly cold day.
In reply, Somerset lost Marcus Trescothick early on for 27, well caught low down by Benny Howell at deep mid-wicket off Will Gidman, and were never up with the required run-rate.
The home side eventually managed 270 in a game watched by their new director of cricket Dave Nosworthy and were beaten by 104 runs.
Craig Kieswetter, who had kept wicket for Somerset, and Jos Buttler provided some late fireworks for Somerset, both scoring 46 and hitting 4 sixes, but it was never going to be enough.
Alex Barrow (39), James Hildreth (34) and Arul Suppiah (30) also spent some useful time at the crease. But Gloucestershire out-bowled their neighbours to record a comprehensive victory.
Will Gidman finshed with 3-50, Ed Young 2-38 and Matt Taylor 2-54.
Somerset rotated their squad during the game, while Gloucestershire named 12 players - Marshall (capt), Dent, Housego, A.Gidman, Howell, W.Gidman, Coughtrie (wkt), Young, Herring, Payne, McCarter, M.Taylor.
