Worcestershire bounce back

Ian Fisher's hat-trick helped Worcestershire to record a 23-run victory at New Road

Worcestershire made a rapid recovery from one of their most humiliating defeats by starting the Twenty20 Cup campaign with a 23-run win over Gloucestershire at New Road.

Five days after being bowled out for 58 by Ireland in the Friends Provident Trophy, Ian Fisher claimed a hat-trick as Gloucestershire were dismissed for 122.

Steve Adshead became the left-arm spinner’s first victim with a loose shot to long-off and Gemaal Hussain and Ian Saxelby popped up return catches from the last ball of one over and the first ball of the next.

Worcestershire’s total of 145 for seven looked a shade vulnerable when Hamish Marshall (15) and Will Porterfield (25) launched Gloucestershire’s reply with a stand of 41 by the fifth over.

However, the game turned as soon as Ashley Noffke ran back from mid-on to hold a difficult chance from Marshall.

Alex Gidman sliced to short third man in the following over and Gloucestershire’s challenge subsided when Steve Davies stumped Porterfield.

A good day for the bowlers began with Gloucestershire newcomer Hussain taking 2-17 in four overs in an impressive debut after stepping up from the Derbyshire Premier League.

The 25-year-old paceman, who plays for the Alvaston and Boulton club in Derby, signed a two-year contract last week after Second XI trials with several counties in recent seasons.

Worcestershire were among those who ran the rule over him and they were first to suffer when he began his Gloucestershire career with wickets in his second and third overs.

Davies smashed a drive straight to Richard Dawson at short extra cover and Moeen Ali gave Jon Lewis the easiest of chances at mid-off.

After winning the toss, Worcestershire were quickly in trouble at 46 for four before Daryl Mitchell (32) organised a strong comeback.

Stephen Moore chipped in with 29 until top-edging Lewis to short fine leg and Noffke made the biggest impact with four fours and a six in his 34 from only 20 balls.

Kirby took his share of the flak but gained some compensation by cleaning out Mitchell and Noffke for a final return of 3-41.