JOHN Evans’unbeaten century helped Gloucestershire complete a six-wicket success away to Somerset to secure their first win of the new ECB Over 70s campaign.
Last year’s champions have had stuttering start to the new season, being washed out away to Wiltshire before slipping to a 48-run home reverse against Worcestershire.
But Gloucestershire rediscovered their best form with bat and ball for a solid derby victory at Fairford.
Somerset, who lost the toss, totalled 214-9 from their 45 overs, Keith Daniels producing the bowling display of the day to finish with a haul of 4-39 from eight.
And Evans, who was in tremendous form last year for county and country, then guided his side over the line with an unbeaten 113 from 121 (14 fours) with Dave Collinson contributing a valuable 51.
Gloucestershire Over 50s, meanwhile, were 69-run victors away to Herefordshire at Eastnor.
The visitors had to battle their way to a total of 215-7 after winning the toss, skipper Richard Trotman (40) and James Gammon (36) providing a solid start before Simon Hygate (35) and Keith Knight (33 not) also made their mark.
In reply, Hereford were always on the back foot against Gloucestershire’s attack led by Trotman (2-17 from five), Knight (2-21 from eight) and Pars Ghadiali (2-42) while Steve Bridge (0-22 from nine) and Craig Whiting (1-12 from seven) also kept the pressure on.
The Over 50s 2nd XI succumbed by five wickets away to Cornwall after being dismissed for 135, James Seagrave top scoring on 60 before Dan Halsey’s burst of 4-18 proved to be in vain.
There was more joy for Gloucestershire O60s 3rds who chased down a target of 127 away to Worcestershire for a five-wicket triumph.
Mike Pearson was the pick of the visitors’ attack with a return of 3-16 from nine while Andy Taylor led the reply with a top score of 60.