GLOUCESTERSHIRE’S hopes of victory in the final County Championsip game of the season against Surrey were hit by a virus and a trademark batting collapse.

Despite a number of players suffering with illness, Gloucestershire appeared to be on course for a win with Chris Dent hitting 94 in pursuit of 261, but they fell ten runs short at Bristol.

Gloucestershire only needed 45 to win with six wickets intact before Hamish Marshall (51) and Jon Batty fell quickly and the last four wickets fell for a meagre 12 runs.

Thornbury youth product Dent gave another glimpse of his potential but fell in the 90s for the third time this season before Jon Lewis, Chris Taylor and Anthony Ireland followed soon after.

Surrey included England international Kevin Pietersen, who scored 40 in their first innings total of 186 all out.

In a rain-affected match, a result was made possible by Gloucestershire’s declaration on 106-5 and Surrey’s decision to do the same on 180-3 in their second innings.

However, Gloucestershire’s chase summed up their season.