THORNBURY suffered defeat at home to Taunton Deane on Saturday despite Gloucestershire batsman Chris Dent striking 76 from 90 balls.

Dent was making his comeback from a broken finger before travelling to the County Championship clash against Essex at Chelmsford and struck eight fours and one six.

He lost early partners Nick Stovold and Juvaunie Gayle but shared 107 with Australian Steve Ford (39) before they both went in quick succession, leaving Thornbury on 155-4.

Further down the order Richard Trotman hit 20 and Wayne Kylander struck 27.

Thornbury’s opening bowler Gayle trapped Ben Trepess lbw for 12 but it was only a minor blip in Taunton’s reply as former Gloucestershire batsman Rob Woodman dominated their innings with 109 not out from 119 balls.

Skipper Trotman bowled Phil Saxby and Jack Leach but Alastair Warren stayed until the end with Woodman as Taunton won with 50 balls to spare.