GLOUCESTERSHIRE got their Friends Provident Trophy campaign off to a good start with a convincing win over Sussex at Bristol.

Craig Spearman and Chris Taylor led them home by seven wickets, with an unbeaten stand of 122, giving director of cricket John Bracewell his first win since his return and Alex Gidman’s first triumph as club captain.

Left-arm spinner Vikram Banerjee helped restrict Sussex to 227 all out with 3-47 from his ten overs, while England internationals Matt Prior and Michael Yardy scored half-centuries for the visitors.

Gloucestershire lost Kadeer Ali for a duck early on in reply but Gidman (43) helped put them in charge.

Spearman scored 69 from 100 balls and Taylor 68 off 72 balls as Gloucestershire won with 22 balls to spare.