GLAMORGAN and coach John Derrick in particular are assured a warm welcome when they visit the County Ground, Bristol, tonight for the second of their eight Twenty20 Group games against Gloucestershire.

It will be the first meeting between the sides since Gloucestershire paceman Steve Kirby received a suspended ban after being found guilty of ball-tampering when the sides clashed in the county championship at Cardiff in May.

It was Derrick who witnessed Kirby scuffing the ball by rubbing it on the car park surface as he retrieved a six-hit by David Hemp.

Derrick reported the incident to the umpires and subsequently gave evidence at an ECB inquiry when Kirby escaped lightly because it was deemed his ball-tampering had had no discernible affect.

Privately, Glamorgan were more than surprised at the minimal punishment given the fast bowler, but Derrick simply said: "I am happy he was found guilty and that we were vindicated.

"The punishment was a matter for the ECB and I am happy to leave that to them."

Derrick admits: "I suppose there may be a bit of ill-feeling left over as a result of the complaint but that's something I just have to accept."

Glamorgan are expecting a very tough game from Gloucestershire despite the fact the home side were heavily defeated in their Twenty20 opener away to Northamptonshire on Wednes-day when Glamorgan began with that thrilling last ball win against Somerset.

Northamptonshire hit a competition best 224-5 in winning by 81 runs, three more than the previous record first set by Gloucestershire and later equalled by Surrey and Leicestershire.

Glamorgan batsman Mike Powell, hero of the win over Somerset, warned, however, that nothing should be read into the opening results.

"It's just one down and seven to go. There are a lot more games this year and there could be many twists and turns," he said, "though you can't ask more than to win your first game.

"Gloucestershire may have lost their first game but they are one of the great one day sides as they have proved over the last ten years.

"They are probably a better side than Somerset so, despite their defeat, we can expect a tough game.

"And Twenty20 is a strange form of cricket. It's so fast that games can run away from you and poor teams can suddenly become good teams and vice versa."

Glamorgan retain the squad who did duty against Somerset, namely Elliott, Ganguly, I Thomas, Powell, Hemp, Wallace, Croft, Wharf, D Thomas, Davies, Cosker, D Harrison. Start 5.30pm.

Glamorgan's third group game in the competition is at home to Warwickshire at St Helens on Saturday.