TAUNTON Deane's promotion hopes suffered a huge blow on Saturday when they lost at home to Trowbridge in Premier Two.

The Deane won the toss and, after deciding to field first, got off to a great start when Grant Bailey dismissed Tom Edwards in the fourth over.

Unfortunately for the Deane, persistent rain shortly afterwards saw the match reduced to 42-overs-a-side. The rest of the innings was dominated by their overseas player Assad Fudadin.

The Deane bowlers had no answer to his class and timing as he stroked a superb 118 not out, guiding his side to 216-4. He was supported well by Peter Hickerton (35) and Tom Oatley (19 not out).

The home side's reply got off to a steady start but some tight bowling by Andy Hales slowed the progress of Jon Hudd and Tom Webley. Webley was the first wicket to fall when he was bowled for 13 in the 18th over.

Dave Jessep was promoted to number three to increase the scoring rate but the decision backfired when Fudadin dismissed both he and Phil Lewis in the next over to make it 59-3.

Skipper Ali Warren joined Hudd and a partnership of 35 made the outcome more optimistic but, with the required run rate rising to seven and then eight an over, risks were needed to be taken and Hudd was soon caught on the boundary off the bowling of Fudadin for 49.

Another rain interruption reduced the Deane innings to 39 overs and despite fine late efforts by brothers Ali and Ed Warren and Rob Woodman (27), they fell short by 23 runs.