Royals crowned Pro40 kings

Worcestershire's wet and sorry season finally came right as they beat Gloucestershire by six wickets to win the NatWest Pro40 title.

The success brought the county a first trophy for 13 years and some consolation from a troubled season in which they have been relegated in the County Championship and had their New Road ground flooded.

The margin of victory reflected the difference between these sides at Bristol and it might have been wider but for the floodlights.

One of the 15-lamp pylons went out as Graeme Hick was leading the dash for victory after Gloucestershire had posted a challenging score of 270 for nine.

When they came back on 15 minutes later Hick quickly lost his off stump for 34 and next man in Abdul Razzaq was caught behind for a single.

It all left Worcestershire, who last won the competition in 1988, slightly on edge but Stephen Moore was there to hit the winning two runs with 11 balls left.

The win put the county four points ahead of second-placed Hampshire in Division One with a game in hand.