If the England World Cup bid team had been in Bristol last night, the city's inclusion in the line-up for the 2018 football World Cup would surely be a formality.

One of the city's main sporting arenas put on a slick derby show in glorious conditions, with fans from both sides mingling freely, quenching their thirst with local brews and lapping up a view to die for, a green pitch overlooked by clear blue skies dotted with hot air balloons.

The County Ground is the home of Gloucestershire's cricketers but could still play a key role as a training venue for the 2018 World Cup should Bristol be selected and then England chosen by FIFA to stage the 2018 or 2022 World Cup.

Last night's match, which was used to promote Bristol's 2018 bid with banners and flags, showed the buzz that rivalry in any sport can bring to the city, with Gloucestershire's fans cheering them on in vain against neighbours Somerset in the Pro40 competition.

A masterclass from Somerset opening batsman Marcus Trescothick gave his side a convincing victory and ended the festivities earlier than expected, allowing the 3,000-plus fans to file out to the numerous bars and cafes along nearby Gloucester Road.

The stadium is in line for a proposed £10-million redevelopment to ensure the national cricket team's annual trip to the West Country continues. Hot air balloons flew lazily along the horizon above Ashton Court, which would host possibly the most picturesque World Cup fan park England has to offer, as the shadows lengthened on the field of play in north Bristol.

Gloucestershire's stars were keen to add their backing to Bristol's bid, eager to embrace international sport in the city.

Gloucestershire bowler Anthony Ireland said: "Bring it on. Having the World Cup in Bristol will help raise the city's profile as a venue for top-class international sport and put the entire region on the map."

Team-mate batsman Kadeer Ali was mindful of the wider impact of Bristol's selection. "If it happens, it will be good for the West as a whole, not just Bristol," he said.

"It will bring people and money into the region and be just as beneficial to business and tourism as it will sport."

" It would be nice to think Bristol has a chance of playing some part in one of the biggest sporting events on the planet."

Keynsham-born Trescothick, who sealed Gloucestershire's demise with an imperious 80 not out, has already thrown his weight behind Bristol's and England's 2018 World Cup campaign and is confident Bristol can knock the opposition for six.