Gloucestershire fall to 18-run defeat against Essex Eagles

Essex Eagles have secured an 18-run win over Gloucestershire in this evening's T20 South Group clash at Chelmsford.

Michael Klinger enjoyed another impressive innings, reaching an unbeaten 104, but his side's 163-7 was not enough to surpass the target of 181 all out set by the hosts.

The bowling of Graham Napier proved to be a thorn in Gloucestershire's side, as he claimed 3-30 from four overs including Geraint Jones (6), Benny Howell (1) and Jack Taylor (0).

No sufficient support was offered to Klinger, whose three-figure score was far and away his side's best on the night. James Fuller was the next highest scorer with 26 not out, yet the tally was not enough to claw back the Eagles.

Mark Pettini was the key man for Essex, racking up 68 runs from 44 balls, with Tom Westley (23), Ryan ten Doeschate (21) and James Foster (21) keeping them ticking along.

It proved to be enough, taking Essex up to three wins for the campaign, while Gloucestershire find themselves in second place in the table.