GLOUCESTERSHIRE V SURREY at Bristol (NUL2), 19 MAY 2002

After waiting two years to avenge the B&H Cup Quarter Final defeat they suffered in 1999, Surrey won all three of their meetings with Gloucestershire in 2001.  A Hollioake starred for the Lions on every occasion.  In the Benson and Hedges Cup final, Ben scored 73; in the NUL fixture at the AMP Oval, Adam made 56 while his brother took 3-24 and, finally, in the return game at Bristol the Surrey captain claimed a match-winning 4-19.

So, with the visitors struggling to overcome the absence of the Hollioakes as well as the loss of Butcher, Stewart and Thorpe to England duty, the side for today's game will continue to feature one or two of the new faces; some of whom filled their boots against Cambridge UCCE in mid-week.

Looking down the Gladiators order, it's hard to comprehend that they a Division Two outfit.  Unlike their opponents Gloucestershire are focused solely one-day cricket.  This year their batting line-up has been augmented by Craig Spearman, who made 82 against Hampshire last week and who, along with Harvey, has a strike rate better than a run a ball.  Watch out, also, for 25-year-old Chris Taylor of whom much is expected.

With the ball Harvey has been in phenomenal form for the Gladiators, taking 19 wickets at an average of 8.10 in six limited-overs appearances this season.  Jon Lewis and Martyn Ball are the other dangers, while it cannot be overlooked that Jack Russell is always a threat standing-up to the stumps. 

A very tough game for Surrey.  Basically, I don't think our winning run against Gloucestershire can continue, especially as we're away from home.  Much will depend on Brown and Ramprakash with the bat.

Two changes to the team that beat Lancashire Lightening last Sunday - Saqlain Mushtaq returns as overseas player while, at wicketkeeper, Jonathan Batty comes in for Alec Stewart.

K Barnett, C Spearman, C Taylor, M Windows, M Alleyne (capt), J Snape, I Harvey, J Russell (wk), M Ball, J Averis and J Lewis.

16 Sep 2001	NL	Won By 36 Runs	Bristol
12 Aug 2001	NL	Won By 2 Wickets	The Oval
14 Jul 2001	B&H	Won By 47 Runs	Lord's
27 Jun 1999	B&H	Lost By 7 Wickets	Bristol
26 Jul 1998	NL	Lost By 22 Runs	Cheltenham
8 Jul 1998	NWT	Won By 52 Runs	Bristol
30 Apr 1998	B&H	Won By 7 Wickets	The Oval
18 May 1997	NL	Won By 5 Wickets	The Oval
30 Apr 1997	B&H	Won By 3 Wickets	Bristol
26 May 1996	NL	Won By 72 Runs	Gloucester
30 Apr 1996	B&H	Won By 3 Wickets	The Oval
16 Jul 1995	NL	Won By 19 Runs	The Oval
29 May 1994	NL	Won By 10 Runs	Gloucester
18 Jul 1993	NL	Won (Scoring Rate)	Guildford
28 Jun 1992	NL	Won By 17 Runs	Bristol
5 May 1992	B&H	Won By 2 Wickets	The Oval

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