GLOUCESTERSHIRE are still searching for their first County Championship win of the season after former South Africa star Graeme Smith hit his first century for Surrey to lead them to a four wicket win yesterday.

After only 17 balls were managed on the third day due to rain, Surrey resumed on 47-0 in pursuit of 267 at The Oval and captain Smith soon whittled that target down by scoring 103 off 112 balls in a first wicket partnership of 145 with Rory Burns (45).

Teenager Matthew Taylor (2-48) claimed the prized wicket, adding’s one of the world’s most feared batsmen to a growing list of victims that also includes England skipper Alastair Cook, and although wickets fell more regularly after that, Steven Davies’ 61 guided Surrey home, their total being the biggest of a low-scoring contest.

Gloucestershire’s cause was not helped by an injury on the first day to Ian Saxelby, who limped off after bowling just two balls and went home early to go for a scan.