SOMERSET CRASH IN CIDER DERBY

SOMERSET head coach Jason Kerr admitted his side had been “outplayed in every departrment” as they suffered a first home defeat in the County Championship since 2017 against near neighbours Gloucestershire.

James Bracey displayed the temperament, as well as the talent, of a future England player as Gloucestershire wrapped up an eight-wicket win to seal their first Championship win in Somerset for 28 years.

“Gloucestershire outplayed us and deserved to win,” Kerr said. “It’s a long time since we lost a red ball game here and to do so against our local rivals hurts.

Somerset held a narrow three run lad after the first innings, but were allout for just 149 in the second innings with Tom Lammonby suffering the embarrassment of a pair - he now has three ducks in four innings this season.

Bracey then guided Gloucestershire home with ease, scoring an unbeaten 83, while Kraugg Brathwaite got them off to a decent start with 36.

Kerr added: “James Bracey was the difference between the sides and set a great example for our young batsmen.

“Our second innings batting was not good enough and we also were not at our best with the ball in Gloucestershire’s first innings.

“The lesson to take is that we have to be on our A game all the time. Against Middlesex that wasn’t the case, but we managed to pull off a superb win.

“This time we have paid the penalty, but it is only two games into the season and I am certainly not panicking.”