Jaques finds Twenty20 form

Phil Jaques made a level-headed 59 from 50 balls to drive Worcestershire to a Twenty20 win over Justin Langer's Somerset on Tuesday. The victory kept Worcestershire's hopes of finals action alive after a tumultuous week in which their county ground at New Road flooded.

Jaques led Worcestershire's chase at Taunton after Langer's 36-ball 45 set up a disappointing target of 149. Graeme Hick and Vikram Solanki fell quickly in the reply but with only 7.5 an over needed, Jaques played a sensible innings that featured only five boundaries.

When he was run out by Langer the visitors still needed 27. Roger Sillence, who as well as being a Worcestershire allrounder has become a regular in Melbourne's club cricket for South Melbourne, finished the task with 19 from 11 deliveries and confirmed the victory with two balls to spare.

Somerset had relied on Langer to get them away to a strong start with Marcus Trescothick missing due to a groin injury, but Langer did not get enough support. Cameron White was bowled for 14 before James Hildreth helped Langer steady with 40.

After the latest round of matches, Worcestershire are in third place on the Midlands Division table, with two preliminary games remaining before the finals. Somerset, who won the Twenty20 title in 2005, are on the bottom and out of the race.