Disappointed Ripley admits Steelbacks 'didn't perform' in T20 Blast hammering

After winning the toss, Northants stumbled to a dismal 113 all out in 19.3 overs, only reaching three figures thanks to a late cameo from Tom Taylor, who hit two sixes in a 15-ball 27.

That inadequate total proved to be an absolute walk in the park for the home side, who cantered to 114 for three with 8.1 overs to spare, and it was a bitter pill for Ripley to swallow.

The County head coach felt the pitch was 'a bit of a sticky dog' and his players certainly struggled to find any sort of timing on it, but it has to be said there were no such worries for Gloucester's batsmen in their reply, with Chris Dent hitting 40 from 25 balls and Ian Cockbain 30 not out from 20 to see their side home.

"The pitch was a bit of a sticky dog, which isn't great for one-day cricket and didn't suit us," said Ripley.

"Having said that, Gloucestershire played very well and we didn't perform, so all credit to them."

Northants were reduced to 51 for four - with the top four all dismissed having amassed just 40 runs between them - and then slumped to 80 for seven as the middle order also struggled.

Taylor did add a little bit of impetus towards the end, but it was far too little too late.

"If we could have reached even 130 with the bat it would have given us some hope," said Ripley.

"But 113 was never going to be enough and Gloucestershire were able to take the game away from us in the power play (they were 59-1 after six overs).

"They are very effective at what they do and I can see them being a match for anyone on Finals Day. I wish them well."

Gloucestershire no go on to Saturday's Finals Day at Edgbaston, and one of their star players on the day, Benny Howell, said the performance in the win over the Steelbacks was 'the stuff dreams are made of'.

The right-arm seamer bowled superbly to take three for 16 in his four overs, including the big wickets of Cobb, Rossington and Rob Keogh.

"That's the stuff dreams are made of," he said.

"The team were right up for it from ball one and determined that the club should reach Finals Day for the first time in 13 years.

"My bowling feels back to where it was before my injury problems and hopefully I can keep things going on Saturday.

"We will go to Edgbaston fearing no one because we are playing some fantastic T20 cricket."