Harvey's experience proves the key to Gloucestershire's win over Somerset

Ian Harvey held his nerve to clinch a Gloucestershire an eight-run Norwich Union League success over arch-rivals Somerset at Taunton.

The Australian claimed 4-42, conceding just two runs off the final over to restrict Somerset to 211-8 in reply to 219-9.

Gloucestershire's total after winning the toss did not look likely to be enough, despite Kim Barnett's rock-solid 94, made off 119 balls, with seven fours.

The visitors were 163-2 at one stage in excellent batting conditions as Tim Hancock (43) and Matt Windows (33) helped give them a fine start.

Keith Parsons, who had dropped Barnett on 20, removed Hancock and Jeremy Snape with successive balls, and later produced a brilliant throw from deep backward point to run out Harvey for four.

From that point the Gloucestershire innings fell away and Somerset must have fancied their chances of getting 220 in bright sunshine on a good pitch.

Surprisingly, the hosts chose to alter their batting order. And, while Richard Johnson hit a quick 20 on promotion to open, leading batsmen Parsons and Mike Burns did not appear until six and seven respectively.

Peter Bowler did his best to match Barnett's effort with a steady 60. But wickets fell regularly around him and by the time acting skipper Burns came in at 145-5 Gloucestershire had taken a grip.

Burns hit an unbeaten 32 as some late swipes by Rob Turner and Keith Dutch gave Somerset renewed hope.

But Harvey again proved his worth bowling at the end of a limited overs innings and produced a faultless last over to give Gloucestershire the points.