Cutting Edge!

TheGladiators remain firmly on course for the top flight thanks to another top-class all-round display from man-of-the-match Ian Harvey.

The Australian took 4-41 as Lightning were restricted to 183-9 Mike Smith picked up 3-36 and then clubbed 56 off only 37 balls as the Gladiators cruised to their target with 10 overs to spare.

Harvey struck six fours and two sixes one off Glen Chapple over long-on and the other off Gary Yates to long-off.

Gloucestershire opener Craig Spearman played his full part, making 54 from 79 balls, with skipper Mark Alleyne unbeaten on 25 and Alex Gidman not out on 16 at the close.

Had it not been for Stuart Law's 55 and a gritty 54 from Lightning skipper Warren Hegg, the hosts would have wrapped up victory a lot sooner.

Chasing 184 for the win, Gladiators' opener Tim Hancock had helped put on 25 before he went for two, caught off Chapple by Kyle Hogg at mid-off.

Hancock's exit brought Harvey to the crease and he set Gloucestershire on the road to victory with a stunning exhibition of power hitting.

The Australian was undone by Hogg in the 18th over, mistiming an off-drive and edging behind to wicketkeeper Hegg with the score on 110.

Two quick wickets in the 25th and 26th overs then gave Lancashire a glimmer of hope.

First Kiwi Spearman was run out, then Chapple sent the unlucky Matt Windows (16) back to the pavilion, the Gloucestershire batsman dragging the ball on to the top of his wicket to leave the hosts 137 for four.

Lightning then struck again. Yates picked up his second wicket, trapping Jeremy Snape lbw for four and having reduced the Gladiators to 148 for five in the 31st over the visitors had clawed their way back.

But Alleyne and Gidman composed themselves to steer their side home in the 35th over.

They face Glamorgan in championship action starting Wednesday.