Sublime Trescothick leads Somerset victory charge

Marcus Trescothick produced an innings of sublime quality to ease Somerset into the C&G Trophy quarter-finals with a seven-wicket win at Taunton.

The England opener reduced what looked a testing target of 270 to win to a cakewalk, hammering 121 off just 83 balls, with 20 fours, as the home side skated in with 8.2 overs to spare.

Trescothick needed only 23 balls to reach his half-century, hitting ten of his fours in that time. Steve Watkin's first two overs cost him 25 and by the end of the 15th over when fielding restrictions were lifted Somerset were 126 without loss.

Peter Bowler leant sensible support, making 43 in an opening stand of 143, but spent much of his time admiring his partner's selection of powerful drives and pulls.

By the time Trescothick was bowled around his legs by Robert Croft the total was 173-2 and Somerset skipper Jamie Cox ensured no late alarms with an attractive 63, including three sixes.

Earlier, Matthew Maynard had rescued Glamorgan from 44-3 as they posted an 269-6 after losing the toss in blustery conditions.

Maynard survived a difficult low chance to Somerset wicketkeeper Rob Turner on three and went on to hit 93 off 108 balls.

After a bright start, lost three with the score on 44. Ian Thomas was caught at fine leg off a top edge and Keith Newell clean bowled in the same Richard Johnson over.

Andy Caddick quickly removed Croft to a catch behind, but Maynard then came in to alter the course of the innings, sharing a stand of 93 with Steve James, who made 46 before loosely cutting Keith Parsons to Jamie Cox at backward point.

Mike Powell kept Somerset on the back foot, reaching a half-century off just 58 balls and sharing another partnership of 93 with Maynard.

But in the end their efforts counted for nothing as there was only one candidate for the man-of-the-match award. Trescothick was simply magnificent.