WORCESTERSHIRE Royals’ fight for survival in Division One of the NatWest Pro40 faces its toughest test tomorrow — a clash with leaders Gloucestershire Gladiators (1.45pm).

Having secured a dramatic last-ball tie at Somerset Sabres 48 hours ago, the New Road side know that a victory is needed if they are to avoid dropping out of the division they won just 12 months ago.

But today’s visitors to New Road know a thing or two about winning in one-day games after being the undisputed kings at the turn of the millennium.

It looks like they are set to restore part of that crown by taking the Royals’ Pro40 title.

However, retaining this championship is far from the New Road side’s mind, in fact all they are thinking of is staying up. While Thursday night was thrilling to watch, it did not do the Royals survival hopes much good.

With two teams going down from Division One and the third-from-bottom side facing a play-off with the third-placed outfit in Division Two, Steve Rhodes’ men need to start pulling away from the foot of the table.

“All three remaining games are important,” said Rhodes. “The point at Taunton could be a vital one, but with six points still to play for I think we will need at least four.

“Gloucestershire are a good one-day side, but the way we batted at Taunton will give us a lot of heart going into this match.”

Worcestershire Royals (from): Solanki (capt), Davies (wkt), Moore, Smith, Hick, Moeen, Mitchell, Batty, Andrew, Harris, Arif, Whelan.