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Worcestershire survive after thrashing Dragons in playoff

21/09/2008

Glamorgan have been relegated from Division One of the NatWest Pro40 after being thumped by Worcestershire by 103 runs at the Swalec Stadium.

After winning the toss and choosing to bat, Worcestershire made 186-6 in their 40 overs. Skipper Vikram Solanki hit 53 while Moeen Ali made 51 off 52 balls, while Jason Gillespie and Alex Wharf grabbed two wickets apiece.

In reply, the Dragons were skittled out for just 83 in under 24 overs. The top three batsman, including Robert Croft, were out for a duck while Ben Wright top-scored with 23.

Gareth Batty did the damage with 4-14 while Dilhara Fernando and James Harris took three wickets apiece.

Solanki, who led Worcestershire to the Pro40 title last year, admitted he was relieved to have won the play-off.

"It's good to be in the top flight of both the Championship and the 40-over league next year," Solanki said.

"It was not your ideal one-day pitch, but Moeen played pretty well towards the end of our innings."

Matthew Maynard, Glamorgan's cricket manager, said he was disappointed his players failed to perform in front of their biggest crowd of the season.

"There will be changes for next season. We have to have cricketers who have two or three of the cricket disciplines," Maynard said.

"Unfortunately today that was highlighted and ultimately it cost us. The senior players are responsible at the top of the order but unfortunately we haven't once got off to a good start in the competition this year.

"More often that not the middle order has had to rescue us but not today.

"We will strengthen the squad in the winter and we are currently in talks with Herschelle Gibbs for next season."