So the weather is warm, the flowers are blooming and Somerset’s season is also showing early promise with four wins out of four. On Thursday the 11th, Somerset travelled to Trent Bridge and ended up beating Nottinghamshire by an innings and 14 runs after amassing 403, thanks to centuries from Abell and Bartlett. The strong batting was backed up by excellent bowling from Gregory (6 for 68) and a match winning spell from Leach (6 for 36). Broad was the stand out bowler for Nottinghamshire, whose 5 wickets will be encouraging for England fans.

The following Friday the 19th saw a beautiful day in Somerset both weather and cricket wise. Kent were the visitors again, this time in the One Day Cup. Batting first, Somerset set an imposing total of 358, the main contributors being Banton (107), Gregory (51) and Overton (66). The latter again demonstrated his all round skills by decimating Kent with the ball, finishing with figures of 5 for 18 as Kent limped to 94 all out.

Two days later in Cardiff, Somerset played Glamorgan in a one day thriller. 67 from Hildreth and a vital 41 not out from the impressive Overton helped the cider boys reach 261 off their 50 overs. At 41 for 6, thanks again to the bowling of Overton (3 for 51), Glamorgan’s hopes appeared extinguished. However a partnership between Lloyd (84) and Wagg (62) saw the hosts reach 259 before Somerset gratefully took their final wicket.

So things are looking rosy for Somerset players and fans. Gregory and Overton are continuing to blossom as quality all rounders and the team is displaying a ruthlessness not evident in previous seasons. Let’s hope this good form continues and Somerset are able to end the season with glory, alongside England. Watch this space!

The day started gloomily for Somerset literally and metaphorically. Resuming on 171 for 7 they lost Overton and Davey early on. However, Bartlett and Brooks then shared a stunning last wicket stand to take Somerset from 181 for 9 to 243 all out. Their aggression meant that a game Kent had dominated for two days was suddenly swung wide open. The visitors were now looking at a target of 209 as the sun begun to appear.

The momentum continued in the home side’s favour when Gregory snared Sean Dickson with the very first ball of the Kent innings. Renshaw soon followed, the victim of a beautiful outswinger from Brooks ,who was beginning to find some rythm, perhaps bouyed by his batting heroics. Bell-Drummond and Crawley steadied the Kent ship briefly before both fell in quick succession to the relentless Gregory either side of Overton dismissing Khun lbw. These three quick wickets just before the lunch break turned the tide decidedly in Somerset’s direction.

The sky clouded over again and Somerset supporters were hoping it stayed that way for the remainder of Kent’s innings. The floodlights were also half on when Gregory found the outside edge of Robinson’s bat with just his third ball of the afternoon.

This was looking like an increasingly tall order for Kent who were without the talents of Denley and Billings. A determined vigil from Blake was ended when Overton had him caught behind for 20. Podmore was struck on the helmet by the same bowler before being dismissed lbw shortly after by Brooks. The veteran Stevens did his best to shepherd the tail during his 43 not out but Gregory and Davey took the final two wickets to complete an incredible 74 run victory for Somerset.

The sun was well and truly shining by the time the jubilant home supporters drifted from the ground. There had been some talk of the nature of the pitch but in truth the tumbling wickets were mainly due to outstanding bowling by both teams.

The changing overhead conditions played a part meaning batting was easier at certain moments, and perhaps during Somerset’s crucial last partnership. It was unfortunate for Claydon to take 9 wickets in his comeback match and end up on the losing side. Ultimately though, this was a glorious win for Somerset that had seemed highly improbable for the first two days.

It was another overcast day at the Cooper Associates ground which enabled Davey and Gregory to make early inroads into the Kent batting. Renshaw and Podmore added little to the overnight score, before a partnership between Bell-Drummond and Khun progressed Kent from 97 for 4 to 144 for 5. Incisive bowling from Gregory and Overton meant Kent were restricted to 209, with Abell and Brooks chipping in at the end.

Somerset would have been pleased by this, however with plenty of sideways movement still available they were soon 17 for 3. Another promising partnership between Abell and Davies took the score to 90 for 5. Claydon had Abell caught behind, though he was reluctant to leave the crease, and a clear nick was not in evidence to many! Bartlett remains not out on 35 and Overton on 27 which gives Somerset some hope of setting up a competitive run chase.

One more wicket in the day would have instigated a compulsory pitch inspection. Batting has certainly been difficult for both sides, but the pitch has helped create a tight and exciting game. Tomorrow should be captivating. Come on Somerset!

The 1st day of Somerset’s 2019 season was stolen by rain. The first day’s play got underway today at 13.15. Kent elected to bowl on a chilly, overcast day and Trescothick was clean bowled by Podmore when the score was 30. Azhar and Hildreth entered the 20’s before they fell victims to Milnes and Claydon respectively, both of whom bowled accurately.

When Byrom edged one from Milnes he might have left, the score was 80 for 4. A partnership developed between Abell and Davies before the latter was caught behind off the bowling of Claydon for 18. Both batsmen unfurled some beautiful drives and seemed set, so the loss of Davies at this stage was disappointing. There followed something of a procession, with only 41 runs being added to the final total in the next 10 overs. Abell would have regretted hooking in the air to deep square leg on 49.

Milnes and Claydon were the cream of Kent’s bowlers, taking 8 wickets between them, while Podmore supported them ably. Claydon finished the day with figures of 5 for 46 off 12. Kent’s decision to bowl seemed vindicated, and this impression was strengthened when they batted. The opening pair of Dickson and Crawley looked unflustered, while Gregory and Brookes struggled for rythm with the ball. Overton finally broke through when he found Crawley’s edge. Josh Davey bowled well and deserved the scalp of Podmore towards the end of the day.

Therefore a rather disappointing day from a Somerset perspective, with Kent’s bowlers dominating. Several of Somerset’s batsmen will probably be ruing their shot selection, while their bowlers were not as accurate as their opponent’s ,who harnessed conditions better. At the close of play Kent are trailing by just 87 with 8 wickets remaining. Somerset players and fans will be hoping for better tomorrow.

Thanks for joining me!

Good company in a journey makes the way seem shorter. — Izaak Walton