PHILIP Weston hit an unbeaten 73 to guide Gloucestershire to a five-wicket Twenty20 win over his former county Worcestershire at Bristol.

The home side overhauled the visitors' 162-6 with two balls to spare as Weston hit the winning boundary yesterday.

He had faced 55 balls and hit eight fours and a six, supported by Craig Spearman (20), Mark Hardinges (19) and skipper Mark Alleyne (17 not out) in a total of 166-5.

Zander de Bruyn was the mainstay of the Worcestershire innings after they had been put in, hammering eight fours and three sixes in his unbeaten 76. Ben Smith also looked in good form, making 36.

Steve Kirby was the pick of the Gloucestershire bowlers with 2-15, including the key wicket of Graeme Hick who had previously been the County's dangerman in Twenty20 cricket.

Weston paced his innings perfectly and Gloucestershire became favourites after his opening stand of 47 with Spearman.

But veteran David Leatherdale, with figures of 2-21, introduced an element of doubt, removing Spearman and Chris Taylor in his opening over.

It was 120-5 when Alleyne joined Weston and the Gloucestershire skipper used all his experience to make sure the job was completed in the face of a run-rate which grew to nine an over.

Earlier, De Bruyn had come in with Worcestershire 24-3 and reeling from the blow of seeing Hick deceived and bowled for nine by a slower ball from Kirby.

The South African did not let the score deter him and quickly counter-attacked with Smith in a fourth-wicket stand of 78.

Two of his sixes were lusty sweeps off Martyn Ball which sent the ball soaring over the mid-wicket boundary.

Smith greeted Ian Fisher with two similar shots, clearing the square leg boundary, having begun with a straight six off Hardinges, and his bright contribution came off 30 balls.

Spinners Ball and Fisher proved expensive, sharing seven overs for 80 runs.

There was better control from the seamers with Carl Greenidge, who took 2-26, and Alleyne (1-18) lending good support to Kirby.

The total looked about par on a pitch being used for the second time in the competition and made for a close game in front of a 4,000 crowd.

Gloucestershire have now won two of their three group matches and Worcestershire one.

n Worcestershire have a quick opportunity to make amends for two Twenty20 defeats in a row when they entertain Northamptonshire at New Road today (5.30pm).

Northants lead the table following two convincing wins but the County need a victory to get their campaign back on track.

Tickets are expected to be available from the turnstiles throughout today.