GLOUCESTERSHIRE were looking to bounce back from their National League setback today by booking an end-of-season Lord's final.

The Gladiators, fresh from their Tuesday mauling by Division One title rivals Surrey Lions, were facing Derbyshire at the County Ground in the first C & G Trophy semi-final.

Gloucestershire, with home advantage, go into the game as favourites, but for one, former Swindon bowler Jon Lewis, was remaining cautious.

He said: "Derbyshire have not won that many games this season, but they're in the semi-final, and you don't find too many bad sides in semi-finals.

"They will start as underdogs too, and that can often act as a spur.

"Although we're still top of the National League, we're looking to bounce back after Tuesday's defeat.

"And five of our squad have yet to play at Lord's so that's a real incentive and we're bang up for it."

Lewis forms part of a 14-man squad, with Gloucestershire delaying their starting line-up with an injury doubt still hanging over opening bowler Mike Smith.

Jonty Rhodes, though, has shaken off a hamstring strain, and is expected to play.

Lancashire and Worcestershire meet in Saturday's second semi-final.

YESTERDAY'S SCORES

National Cricket League

Division Two Northampton: Northamptonshire Steelbacks 319-7 (M E K Hussey 123, P A Jaques 76, D J G Sales 53), Scottish Saltires 244 (R Dravid 114). Northamptonshire won by 75 runs.