JOE Leach and Jack Shantry claimed three wickets each as Worcestershire pulled off a surprise eight-run Friends Life t20 victory over Somerset at Taunton.

Leach claimed 3-20, including two vital wickets during an 18th over which cost him just four runs, as the hosts were restricted to 160-8 in reply to 168-7.

On what looked a perfect day for batting, Worcestershire’s Alexei Kervezee produced the best individual score with 53 after the visitors had lost the toss and been sent in.

The only positive for Somerset was the return to form of Marcus Trescothick with 49 off 38 balls.

Worcestershire raced to 50 off five overs for the loss of opening duo Moeen Ali, who was dropped on eight before making 27, and Thilan Samaraweera (17).

Captain Daryl Mitchell fell cheaply, bowled by spinner Max Waller for five, but Andre Russell raised the tempo again with several sixes.

It was 111-4 in the 14th over when Russell, having made 21 off 16 balls, lifted a catch to deep mid-wicket.

Kervezee completed a half-century off 39 balls with four fours and two sixes.

But Gareth Andrew nicked a catch off Craig Meschede to make it 125-5 and Worcestershire were in danger of failing to capitalise on their earlier good work.

Kervezee was caught at long off to give Yasir Arafat (3-29) his second wicket but Ben Cox contributed a bright 22 to ensure a competitive total.

Somerset must have fancied their chances as they overcame the early loss of Craig Kieswetter to reach 47-1 off the six powerplay overs.

But the hosts lost momentum as Peter Trego was caught off Leach for 24 and Trescothick was taken at deep cover off Shantry (3-34), having hit six fours and a six.

The required run-rate grew to 11-an-over and when Nick Compton was dismissed for 16, James Hildreth and Joss Buttler had to hit out.

Leach accounted for both in the 18th over, Hildreth caught in the deep and Buttler off an edge attempting a reverse sweep after a brisk 27 which included three sixes.

They were the two key blows which ended Somerset hopes.

Alfonso Thomas scooped a six off Russell in the final over, which began with 20 needed, but it was too late.