Cricket: Cricketers shine in UK

New Zealand A thumped the English county one-day cricket champions Gloucestershire by 134 runs in a one-dayer in Cheltenham yesterday.

New Zealand A ran up a formidable total of 279 for nine in their 50 overs, with Michael Papps (66), Scott Styris (57) and Jacob Oram (51) topping half-centuries with the bat.

Captain Styris then led the way with the ball, taking three for 34 as the home side - coached by former New Zealand offspinner John Bracewell - were dismissed for 145 in the 38th over.

Bruce Martin took two for 10 and fellow spinner Brooke Walker captured two for 30 off 10 overs.

Coach David Trist said it was one of the more complete team efforts he had seen: "It was just spectacular. Our batsmen placed the ball round the field to near perfection; boundaries were scored with consummate ease. The result was equivalent to an innings victory in a four-day match ... "

- NZPA