By Grockle
April 8 2002

First friendlies and they seem to be more serious than usual. A much stronger than usual side took on the Premier League XI today and provided a few insights into the season's prospects.

READY FOR ACTION?

Good to Be Back!

Well we had a look today at some of the guys who will looking to succeed for Somerset this season.  The county took on the West of England Premier League XI and put out quite a strong team against them;

1. Holloway 2. Wood 3.Burns(capt) 4. Parsons 5 Blackwell 6. Gazzard 7. Dutch 8. Trego 9. Johnson 10. Jones 11. Bulbeck

It brought up some questions and gave us an indication of who is up for a first team place this year.

• Keith Parsons does not look up to bowling (remember he has had knee surgery), he just doesn't look 'fluid' enough yet.  BUT he can bat and did today   by hitting well over 100 off just 104 balls.  Is he looking for a batting berth?  Number 4/5 instead of Piran H?
• Mike Burns looks in form and will be working as VC to which ever captain is in charge this season.
• Matt Bulbeck looks sharp and quick.  He steamed in from the Pavilion End with considerable venom.
• Steffan Jones was certainly up for it and got really steamed when Redwood decided to bat without his helmet on.  Steffan was officially warned after his third bouncer in one over and had the guy caught behind next ball.  Nothing like a little fire in a game!
• Keith Dutch hasn't lost any of his sharpness in the field.  He took two storming catches.  The League players took a shine to him and Ian Blackwell though even though Dutchy bowled Jamieson with his first ball.   They never give spinners any respect in the leagues!
• Peter Trego is not what you would call 'slight' any more.  He has beefed up during the off season.  I'm still not sure about his bowling but we'll see.   He definitely seems up for it.
• Carl Gazzard got an early run out and has considerable confidence behind the sticks.
• Kevin Shine was out with the technology getting some video material for the boys to look at before the 'blood and bullets' work starts.  He also need to get a new maroon hat!!

Kev and his camera!

Who will we see tomorrow against the Board side?  Probably Joe Tucker who has been working hard in the gym in the last couple of weeks.  Graham Rose was about but how fit is he?  Jamie Cox won't play until the Hampshire match next Wednesday at the earliest.  Peter Bowler probably doesn't need the work. Will they give Arul Suppiah (another guy who is much bigger than he was) a run out?  We may get a look at Simon Francis which 'would be nice'.  In this weather it's well worth it if you've got nothing else on.

Today's result?  Somerset set 329 (for 5) and cleared the League XI out for   162 with 6 overs to go (45 over match)

How are the gates going?  Well here they are as they stand at the moment.   They're supposed to be ready for the first game on the 30th.  We'll have to see.

Last Week.  It looks better now!!

The River Gate - This is where the Viv Gate is going I think!

And it's only April!!