Langer the leading light for Sabres

A century from Justin Langer and a fine all-round contribution from Peter Trego guided Somerset Sabres to an 84-run Friends Provident Trophy win over Worcestershire Royals at Taunton.

Langer hit 117 as the home side recovered from 32 for three to post 278 for nine after losing the toss, Trego boosting the total with 31 off just 16 balls at the end.

Trego then took 3-37 and Steffan Jones claimed 3-36 as Worcestershire slumped to 194 all out in reply. Daryl Mitchell offered most resistance with 92.

It was the Sabres’ third group win and puts them level on seven points with leaders Gloucestershire Gladiators, who have a game in hand.

Somerset’s innings got off to a bad start when Marcus Trescothick was yorked by Kabir Ali for a fourth-ball duck.

Soon it was 22 for two as Craig Kieswetter edged a defensive shot off Steve Magoffin - the pick of the Royals bowlers with 3-36 - to wicketkeeper Steve Davies.

James Hildreth was seen off by a brilliant catch at point by Vikram Solanki diving to his left and the Sabres were in trouble at 32 for three.

Langer and Blackwell had to play with caution as they put together a century stand in 21 overs, Langer reaching his half-century off 60 balls, with a six and six fours, and Blackwell following suit off 59 deliveries, with two sixes and two fours.

Blackwell had his stumps scattered by Magoffin playing across the line, but Langer went on his hundred off 124 balls, receiving solid support from Zander de Bruyn (36) in a partnership of 71.

Langer departed attempting a third successive six off Daryl Mitchell and it was Trego, surprisingly coming in as low as eight, who boosted the total with two sixes and two fours.

There were two wickets each for Kabir Ali and Gareth Andrew, returning to his former club.

Worcestershire also lost wickets early when they replied with Steve Davies, Moeen Ali and Solanki departing to a series of poor shots.

When Graeme Hick was caught behind off a bottom edge for six it was 43 for four and there was no way back against a Somerset side supporting their bowlers with some excellent ground fielding.

Ben Smith (39) and Mitchell had to build a partnership and were content to push singles for a while to steady things. But when acceleration was required Smith fell leg before to Trego and it was 121 for five.

Jones then picked up three wickets in an over to end any doubt about the result, sending back Gareth Batty, Kabir Ali - first ball - and Andrew.

Mitchell blossomed after an uncertain start and was ninth man out going for a big hit eight short of his hundred. He had faced 93 balls and hit 10 fours.