Solid County Campaign For Somerset

22/12/2023 10:23 Share

The 2023 season would be one to remember for Somerset County Cricket Club as the Vertu Motors-backed side secured victory in the Vitality Blast for the second time.

Alongside that success in the one day format, Somerset would also enjoy a solid season in Division 1 of the County Championship – showing particular strength with the ball during a number of hard-fought matches.

The County season kicked off at Taunton against Warwickshire, although not when it should have done after the opening day was lost when the outfield was left soaked by overnight rain and deemed to be unplayable.

The action got underway on day two with Lewis Gregory helping Somerset to recover from 136-7 for eventually make 284, although Warwickshire were able to take a lead of 108 when they were bowled out for 392.

Somerset

Although Somerset slipped to 127-6 in their second innings, Tom Lammonby hit 66 not out as his side was able to bat out the final day and secure a draw.

From there, Somerset headed to Trent Bridge to take on Nottinghamshire with 7-84 from Lewis Gregory – a career best that would prove to be Somerset’s best bowling figures of the season – limiting Notts to 256.

After day two was lost to rain, Somerset were then bowled out for 173, with Nottinghamshire eventually setting a winning target of 295. Unfortunately, bowler friendly conditions on the final day would favour the home side, with Somerset bowled out for 129 to suffer a first defeat of the season.

Despite losing the toss and being put in to bat against Lancashire, Somerset recovered from 80-4 in the first innings back at Taunton to reach 441, with Tom Abell and James Rew both hitting centuries.

Lancashire responded with a mammoth 554 to take a lead of 113 after the first innings, with Somerset batting through the final day to pick up a second draw in three matches.

The weather would again impact the next match against Northamptonshire, who managed to hold on for a draw after Tom Kohler-Cadmore had helped Somerset to take a large first innings lead.

Somerset

The return fixture against Lancashire would also end in a high-scoring draw as Rew hit centuries in both innings at Old Trafford before Somerset picked up a first victory of the season at the fifth attempt against Middlesex.

A first century of the year from George Barlett was followed by five wickets from Matt Henry as Somerset forced their opponents to follow on, with five wickets from Craig Overton in the second innings meaning Middlesex were bowled out still 13 runs shy of making Somerset bat again.

After a month long break where focus turned towards the Vitality Blast, the County Championship campaign resumed in mid-June against Essex at Chelmsford, but it was the home side who controlled proceedings as Alastair Cook struck a century before five wickets from Simon Harmer left Somerset firmly on the back foot.

Set a total of 466 to win, Abell led the challenge with 83 but Somerset would be bowled out for 269 to suffer defeat by 196 runs.

Next up would be a game against Nottinghamshire at Taunton, with Somerset bowled out for just 163 in the first innings. Notts appeared set to build a handy lead but a second morning collapse saw them fall from 145-4 to 186 all out – an advantage of just 23 – thanks to six wickets from Matt Henry.

Centuries from both James Rew and George Bartlett saw Somerset then post a mammoth 514-8 in the second innings and when Josh Davey then took 4-17, it helped to bow Notts out for just 92 as Somerset grabbed victory by 399 runs.

Somerset looked to be in trouble in the following game against Hampshire as the visitors managed to take the first five wickets for just 80 runs, but Rew then took centre stage – smashing a stunning 221 with support from Kasey Aldridge and Dom Bess to steer Somerset to a total of 500.

Somerset

Hampshire would manage to reach 330 before following on and a backs-to-the-wall performance through the final day saw them hold on to salvage a draw.

Fresh from wrapping up the T20 Blast title, Somerset then headed for Northampton, securing a comfortable nine wicket win set up by a fine bowling performance from Henry – who took 5-73 in the second innings to leave Somerset needing just 54 to win.

Disappointment would follow with a ten wicket loss against Surrey before Somerset headed off to compete in the One Day Cup, with the resumption of the County Championship in early September resulting in a tough 185 run loss to Hampshire.

A weather-impacted draw with Kent followed and it was a similar story against Warwickshire as rain again ended any chance of a result in the final game of the season.

It meant a seventh place finish in the County Championship standings but with Rew – who was named as the Professional Cricket Association's men's young player of the year – having signed an extended contract, hopes are high of what can be achieved going into 2024.

The County Championship season in numbers: