Somerset sweep past sorry Scots

Marcus Trescothick hit a brutal 144 as Somerset made short work of Scotland in a one-sided Group B ontest at Taunton

Marcus Trescothick and James Hildreth hit hundreds to help Group B leaders Somerset to a thumping 151-run Friends Provident Trophy victory over Scotland at Taunton.

The Sabres had no problem making it maximum points from four games after Trescothick (144) and Hildreth (151) helped them to a massive 403 for three, their highest 50-over score.

The pair shared a second-wicket stand of 270 in 36 overs, while Peter Trego smashed 74 not out off just 39 balls to underline Somerset’s total dominance.

In reply, Scotland, who won the toss, managed 252 for nine, with Gavin Hamilton making 62, Ryan Watson 67 and Neil McCallum 50.

The visitors opted to bat for a respectable score and the outcome was never in doubt as Trego claimed 3-43 and Alfonso Thomas 3-46.

They profited from maintaining a good line and length, while the same applied to Zander de Bruyn, who took 2-32. But, in truth, there was never any pressure on the home attack.

Somerset’s innings was hugely one-sided. Scotland missed their big chance when Trescothick was dropped on 18 behind the stumps by Simon Smith, standing up to Jan Stander.

But so poor were the bowling and fielding that even if they had removed the former England opener cheaply, other batsmen would surely have cashed in?

A succession of full tosses and half-volleys were matched by some abysmal ground fielding. Trescothick, captaining Somerset in the absence of Justin Langer with a throat virus, was also dropped on 112 by Sean Weeraratna at fine-leg off the unfortunate Stander, who finished with 1-106 from his 10 overs.

The only time it was a contest was when Craig Kieswetter fell early, bowled driving at Dewald Nel. From 15 for one, Trescothick and Hildreth played as they liked, both making regular use of switch hits.

Trescothick was first to his century, off 84 balls with 10 fours. The pair brought the 200 up in the 30th over and Hildreth went to three figures off 101 deliveries, with seven fours.

Trescothick celebrated the 250 stand by launching Matthew Parker over long-on. But the next ball saw him caught by Weeraratna at long-off, having faced 108 balls and extended his boundary count to 13 fours and two sixes.

Hildreth went to his 150, off 140 balls, with 13 fours, his best one-day score, but was bowled by Stander off the next delivery.

By then Trego had added to the carnage with a 29-ball half-century, and his 74 included four sixes. It was all too easy for the home side.