GLOUCESTERSHIRE wrapped up the Division B national title with a comprehensive win over Hertfordshire.

A 163-run partnership between captain Tom Smith and Kieran Smith laid the foundations of an impressive victory – the county’s first boys trophy success in its recent history.

The pair rescued their side from 9-2 with some sparkling stroke-play that saw Tom Smith make 74 and Kieran 90.

A late onslaught from Patrick Grieshaber (35) and Thornbury’s Marc Lezar (61*) helped push Gloucestershire over the 300 mark on a good batting pitch at Kibworth.

Herts started well, putting on 52 for the first wicket before Joe Cooke (17) fell lbw to Ross Martin. Danny Slade then caught and bowled number three Alex Axon to put Glos in the driving seat.

Herts continued to battle hard and with opener Ryan Wells at the crease they were always in with a chance. Ably supported by Reece Hussain (29) and Kasey Harris (44*) he eventually made 106 before becoming one of three run out victims for Martin as the run rate began to climb and the pressure mounted. A late flurry of wickets, including two for Slade, completed the job for a jubilant Gloucestershire in the final over.

Under-17 coach and Gloucestershire Cricket Board head of performance Tim Hancock said: “They have had a very good season and this was a nice way to finish. “There is a lot of quality in the team and to go through the year unbeaten in both the one-day and two-day formats is an excellent achievement.”

ECB U15 Yorkshire Bank Cup Division B Final: Gloucestershire (170-9) lost to Worcestershire (174-7) by three wickets

A SUPERB all-round performance from Benny Ellis wasn’t enough to stop Gloucestershire falling to defeat to Worcestershire in the Division B final.

He scored 69 not out before making two early breakthroughs with the ball but Worcester went on to reach their target with 2.5 overs to spare.

After Glos found themselves 0-2, Ben Slade (21) and Callum Loud (28) repaired some of the damage, but it was left to Ellis and Duvall Pierre (21) to guide them to a competitive total.

Off-spinner Ellis took the first two wickets to fall as Worcester got off to a mixed start.

Tom Probert (2-26) and Hopkins (1-28) both bowled tightly but a timely 36 not out from Josh Haynes proved decisive.

ECB Women’s U17 County Championship Development Group 4: Berkshire (198-9) beat Gloucestershire (196) by two runs

GLOUCESTERSHIRE lost their unbeaten record but were still crowned champions of their County Championship group after defeat to Berkshire.

A last wicket stand of 16 from Abi Lawrence (10) and Zoe Gould (10*) wasn’t quite enough to prevent an agonising loss in the last game of the season.

The pick of the Gloucestershire bowlers were Alice Hill and Charlotte Phillips, who finished with 3-15 and 3-54 respectively.

After Gloucestershire were reduced to 31-4, Zoe Cullum (44) and Hill (36) provided strong resistance to set up a grandstand finish.