James Benning scored an unbeaten 189 to almost chase down the huge target of 340 set by Gloucestershire during Surrey's penultimate C & G trophy match at Bristol.

Neither side were able to qualify for the C & G trophy finals, and as such it was purely pride at stake hence the fact that it was ultimately pride that produced the classic match of the competition.

Gloucestershire batted first and proceeded to make use of the batsman friendly conditions. Craig Spearman and Kadeer Ali put on 75 for the first wicket, but it was Ian Harvey who made ultimate use by scoring 108 off 85 balls. It was thanks to the awareness of Jonathan Batty that Surrey saw the back of the Australian all-rounder. The Brown Cap's keeper threw down the stumps to run out Harvey who appeared to wander out of his crease. The loss of Harvey instigated a Gloucestershire middle order collapse, giving Surrey hopes that they could contain their opposition to below 300. However David Brown, who was making his domestic one day debut, played a remarkable innings scoring 63 from just 26 balls including 7 fours and 5 sixes.

Brilliant Benning 189*

In reply Surrey got off to the worst possible start by losing both Batty and Mark Butcher within the space of two balls when the score was just 26. However, Benning continued to play at a frantic pace, making use of the early fielding restrictions. The young Surrey star played shots all around the ground, almost single-handedly keeping his side up with the run rate. He dominated partnerships but unfortunately none of Surrey's remaining batsman managed to stay with him for any length of time. When Nayan Doshi was caught behind and Surrey were nine wickets down still with 60 runs required for victory, it appeared as though Benning would run out of partners. However, Neil Saker demonstrated more than competency with the bat and Benning showed confidence in the young number 11. The two put on 57 taking the game into the last over and when Saker smeared a length delivery from Carl Greenidge for four over extra cover, leaving three required from the remaining three deliveries, the game had swung in the direction of Surrey. However, the former Surrey player Greenidge was to have the final word as Saker clubbed a low full toss to mid-wicket. Benning committed himself for the run and, unfortunately for the Brown Caps, the number 11 was run out after a clean bit of fielding from Spearman left both players stranded at the strikers end.

It was a sad end to a fabulous game of cricket, in which no side deserved to lose. A special mention has to go to James Benning who performed an incredible innings, one that showed huge maturity. His innings shows great promise for the future of Surrey's cricket. Perhaps the England selectors will take note of this player's ability to score at better than a run a ball over the course of 50 overs.

Click here to view scorecard from this match.

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