By Grockle
September 16 2025

And so we move towards the end of the 2025 season, our 150th, with silverware in the cupboard from Saturday and the same opposition as in that Final in front of us at Taunton for the last four day game of the year.  Hampshire come looking for revenge and we are looking to consolidate our mid table position in the light of the probable points deduction for the pitch in the Durham game.  No play on Day 1 because of safety issues over high winds so we come out on Day 2, win the toss and chose to bat first. Jake Ball gets a rest in this one as Jack Leach returns for a Championship game after missing out n the Finals.  Still no place in a 4 day game for Will Smeed despite questions around why he is not getting a chance to show what he can do at the backend of a season in a game that could be seen as a test for next year's line-up.  Kasey Aldridge and Ben Green both make their final Taunton  appearances in Somerset colours.  Good luck to them in the future and thanks for the memories guys.

CC1 v Hampshire @ Taunton Monday 16 - 19 September 2025

The side for this game holds very few surprises given the position of the squad and the lateness of the season.

The side is;

Vaughan, TKC, Lammonby, Rew, Abell, Goldsworthy, Gregory, Green, Overton, Aldridge, Leach

Jake Ball is rota'd out of this game one would imagine with Leach included instead and Migael Pretorius was probably not fit enough for a 4 day game after bowling overs in the Finals (he did not complete his allocation in the final so probably was only really fit to do the one game where he acquitted himself very well).  No place in this side for the now 'red ball as well' contracted Will Smeed despite expectations from many that he may have made his four day debut in some of these games.  It may be that he was kept out of last week's Yorkshire game with the Blast Finals in mind and then rested with this one after his heroics in those finals.  So there is still a chance we may see him in a four day side before the end of 2025 in the game against essex next week.

Day 1

Early rain ensured that the first day started with the covers on.  Unfortunately, when the rain stopped the winds were over 40mph and new ECB Health and Safety rules do not allow the groundstaff to deal with on pitch sheets if the winds are above that speed because of incidents with covers taking the groundstaff with them when they decide to take to the air.  Therefore there was no play at all on Day 1 of this game because of those weather conditions.

Day 2

A calmer climate faces the sides at 10:30 on the second day and the toos was won by Somerset who choose to bat first.  Out come Archie Vaughan and Tom Kohler-Cadmore for a prospective 103 over day to face the new ball bowling of Abbott from the MT Pavilion.  TKC takes the first and is straight up the wicket to the bowler to galnce one down to the CA where it is cut off by the fielder and he takes a single.  Archie's second ball is guided past the slip cordon on the ground for the first boundary in front of the Botham and both bats are off and running.

The first over from the River is bowled by the ever youthful Barker - always quite a unit but looking very fit in September to be honest - he has had injury issues this year and has only really come back strongly in the secnd half of the season.  His first is a maiden and we wouldn't expect anything else.

As the third starts ii is 8 for 0 and they have moved this to 13 at the end of it with most of the runs from the younger bat.  TKC lookos to reset the imbalance with a straight four back over Barker's head but the bowler gets the last laugh when after a second boundary in the innings he get the impetuous bat to try and pull him, straight into the midriff of Orr square of the wicket and 'Pepsi'  departs for 10 (9) at 21 for 1.  Daft shot too early so it is the T20 TKC innings we get today and he is replaced by Tom Lammonby.

The new pair have moved on to 25 when Barker starts his next over and his third ball does for Lammonby in a pretty limp way, moving forward to one and getting a slight nick behind to the keeper.  He turns and walks off and we see James Rew at the crease in the first 10 overs of a game.  25 for 2.

He is finally off the mark with a very well judged flicked six into the Ondaatje from the 8th ball he has faced and at 35 for 2 with Rew on 6 and Vaughan on 17, the heavens open and the umpires take the players off for rain just after 11 am.

The game is looking to restart at 11:45 after quite a violent but short rain shower and the umpires walk out again on time.  In the 12th over Abbott gets ne to go slightly away from Archie driving and he is also caught behind for 19 from 36 at 43 for 3.  In comes Tom Abell and we are 3 down for less than 50 in the first innings of a 4 day game once again. 

Fuller is introduced in the 14th and a well driven four from Rew finall moves Somerset past 50 off Jack in the 15th.  Just to emphasise the fact that he can play he then repeats the shot to Jack's next ball to move the home side to 56 with consecutive fours.  The over ends at 57 for 3 and after 15 Abell  has 4 from his 7 and Rew has 22 from the 32 he has faced.

In the 18th, just as the pair seem to have started to settle into their task, Fuller gets on to cannon into the leg stump off another Rew inside edge and he is gone for 30 at 69 for 4 to bring Lewis Goldsworthy  to the crease before the lunch break.  He is immediately off the mark with a well directed and run 3.

At lunch after the 22nd over, Somerset are 83 for 4 with Abell on 10 from 19 and Goldsworthy on 12 from 13. We have lost 11 overs in the day's play so we have 70 overs left in a full day's play. 

After lunch we continue and the spin of new signing Washington Sundar is introduced and there's a debate about whether a legslip needs a helmet in the weather conditions and it is decided that he does.  The last ball of the 30th has Lewis in trouble as he is given out for 22 at 99 for 5 caught behind down the legside.  Out comes Aldridge Abbott is still coming in from the other end however, we do not have a dual spin attack as of yet and a single brings up the 100 for the home side but for the loss of 5 wickets.

It's an afternoon of work for the Somerset pair against very tight spin bowling from Sundar with 10 overs of 1 for 22 and equally solid work from Barker at the other end also with 22 to his name with 2 wickets .  With 40 overs gone they have moved on to 122 for 5 as Fuller comes back on for the 41st

A flashed four from Kasey to the NT stand brings up a hard fought 150 in the 45th over followed by another the next ball to take him to 27 from 49 catching up with his partner Tom Abell on 40 from 86.  It is hard work but these two are working at it against Fuller and Washington as we move towards the Tea interval with the hope of not losing any more wickets.

Tom passes 50 with a classy cover drive to the Caddyshack boundary from 100 balls with 7 fours at 171 for 5.

Kasey follows him to that milestone at 199 for from 76 balls with 8 fours annd a six . A single off Washington to start the 55th over from Tom moves them to 200.

Nick Gubbins takes a bowl before Tea and seems to have got Kasey caught behind.  Kasey  stands and the umpire does not raise the finger though it did look pretty obvious from the reply.  However the go in at 208 for 5 with Tom on 63 and Kasey on 55 after 58 overs.

After Tea we have 35 overs possible in the day.  We may not get all of them even though the weather does not seem to be threatening at the moment - the light may have a say. 

As we move to the 70th over, Somerset gain their first batting point as they move 2 past the 150 partnership at 251 for 5.  Tom is on 91 and Kasey has 69.  After another four taking him to 95, the next single takes Tom to 1000 first class runs for the season.  Kasey is certainly working on the atmosphere out there as he becomes even more aggressive in partnership with a class bat.  He smacks his way to 73 and Fuller's 71st over takes us to 261.  

Washington is bowling the 72nd to hold a partnership that has reset Somerset's position in this game after 99 for 5.  Hampshire look tired (Sundar has bowled 22 overs) but they are keeping at the job.  Fuller bowls the 72nd as Abell takes a quick single to move to 99.  Kasey adds 2, then one and Abes flicks it through midwicket to bring up his 20th first class century moving to 103 from 164 balls with 13 fours.  Brilliant batting from the ex skipper.  What a class player he is. 273 for 5 in the 73rd.  The Exeter Uni student contingent is very happy as well.

Then Kasey decides it's his time as well.  He starts to put bat to ball as Jack returns to the attack.  Tom is batting freely and his partner is looking very hard at a 3 figure score before the weather closes in.  The groundstaff are out on the boundary so the young allrounder targets Washington's 76 over for runs.  A boundary moves him to 84, he then takes another two to go to 86 as Somerset move towards 290.

Jack gives him some more runs with a driven four to the Ondaatje to take him to 90.  This is followed by a six into the Trade Nation stand to bring up the Somerset 300 that is also the 200 partnership plus another batting point.  He takes 2 from the next ball to go to 98 from 152 and with the rain coming in over the Quantocks he finishes the 77th over with a single to go to 99 facing the returning Felix Organ. The field comes in and he takes the single for his second first class century from 155 balls with 11 fours and 3 sixes at 304 for 5.

He goes past his previous highe score and at 111 Organ gets one past his partner and Tom is bowled off a slight bottom edge for 118 from 189 balls at 320 for 6.  Hampshire held back on the second ball and that was a good decision it seems.  Though they may not have had the choice given the light situation.  In comes Ben Green to face Organ and Gubbins with 11 overs leftin the day.  Gubbins starts the 83rd but has to leave the field as Sundar ends the over with 2 balls gone in it.  No idea what the injury is but there must have been one.

As we move below 10 overs left, Abbott and Barker are back taking the new ball for the 87th over.  The ball starts to spit a bit more and ther is still work to do before the end of the day from the two Somerset bats.  Green drives him trought the covers but he comes back with a bit of inward movement and he bowls Ben for 8 at 347 for 7 clipping the off stump.

In comes Craig Overton with 6 overs to face.  No real point in sending in a nightwatch bat though we haven't yet seen the skipper who may be being given a rest after winning the Blast on Saturday.  Kasey takes a single that brings up the 350 and another batting point.  There are overs available to get to 400 if these guys can stay in tomorrow morning.  Overton gets off the mark from his first ball.

The 400 is a definite possibility IF Kasey can keep up this form tomorrow morning as he is still hitting the ball like a rifle bullet with the new ball.  He is presently on 132 at the end of the 89th.  However, Kasey makes a mistake off Washington's 2nd ball of the 90th.  He looks to sweep, gets it off the back of the glove, it goes up in the air,  plops down to two fielders who basically leave it to each other and neither one catches it!!  Awful error with a bat on 133. 

"Since about 80 odd runs, Aldridge has played like God's Dad" says Pete Trego on the livestream - not a bad compliment really :-)  With 2 overs to go Washington will finish with 28 and a bit overs (he completed a Gubbins over) with 1 for 90 - good solif spin bowling wheeling in over after over.

The day is ended by Abbot - who started today.  This will be his 19th of the day with 2 wickets and lots of outside edges.  His third is clipped to the CA for four by the bat of the day Kasey Aldridge in his last home game as a Somerset player - he moves to 140 but is lucky to get away with the next which goes very close to the top of the bail.  He then squirts a lucky four which doesn't carry to the slip but goes through them taking him to 148 with 1 ball remaining in the day.  He takes a single from the last to move to 381 for 7.  Kasey is 149 not out.  Craig is 9 from 9.  A good day after being 99 for 5 - it's their day.

Day 3

I'm on my way to Malahide for the England v Ireland when the game resumes at 10:30 on Wednesday but luckily BBC Sounds decides to actually provide radio  coverage for one of only 2 games going at that time and so I get the first part of the day.  You'd assume Somerset would be looking to play through and try and get 450 or play until the 110 overs are done.  It is over 93 as they come out.  First of all Kasey needs a run for his 150 facing Barker at the beginning of the day.  He gets it from the first ball off 207 balls with 16 fours and 5 sixes.

Abbott and Barker look to get teh last wickets but by 100 overs we have reached 421 and the 450 is definitely on.  He has 177 and Overton has 22.   The 450 arrives in the 103rd from a Craig Overton four to take the side to 453 with Kasey on 180 and a single later Overton goes to 50 from 42 with four fours and 2 sixes.  That is when it ends as Gubbins throws the stumps down at the same score to run out Aldridge and Somerset declare on 454 for 8. 

A bit of rain stops play for a while and they are back on for the Hampshire first innings at 11:25.  Not sure what is to come from this game as Washington Sundar only took 1 wicket for over 100 while Organ looked well with the slower ball.  It has to be down to the spinners after a little bit of seam from Gregory and Overton one would imagine.  Orr and Middleton are at the crease and looking to just bat the game out.

Leach is, as predicted, on for the 6th over with only 13 runs on the board and he gets immediate success as Allie Orr is bowled between bat and pad for 8 with his 5th ball.  Gubbins comes out to some surprise as he had a side strain yesterday - it was expected he may bat further down the order but here he is.

Gregory continues at the other end until Somerset introduce Archie Vaughan for the 9th and we have the dual spin we wil expect for most of the day.  25 for 1 with Middleton on 12 from 20 and Gubbins on 5 from 4.  He nearly has Middleton stumped in his first off the last ball but Rew cannot collect.  However an idiotic attempt at a reverse by Gubbins off the first ball of the 10 sees him caught at short third man by Vaughan and it is 27 for 2.  In comes Albert to face Leach on 6 for 2 off 13 balls.

The spinners wheel away into the 12th when a beauty from Jack gets one drifting in, pitching on middle and going out to the off stump to bowl Middleton for 14 from 31 at 30 for 3.  Jack has 3 for 7 off 20 balls.  In comes Brown with a real job to do before lunch.  He is nearly run out with only 1 run on the board in the 17th when a direct hit would have seen him gone.  Albert is going for anything loose and short as well to move the score on.  He takes 2 sixes off Archies in the 17th to move Hampshre past 50.  Lunch is geting close but Vaughan has not finished yet  as Albert cloths one straight back to the bowler who takes the catch and it is 58 for 4 before the break.  This brings Washington to the crease pre interval.  He survives with 2 to his name as they leave for the break at 61 for 4 with Brown his partner on 3.

The afternoon session starts with a lucky Sundar who did edge one onto COve's boot just before the Lunch break.  Jack is opening after 8 overs, 5 maidens, 3 for 8 from his morning.  There are 72 possible overs left today and Hampshire's objective is to reach and pass 304 in their first innings to save the follow on.

Washington and Brown get down to the work and take the game past 30 overs at 79 for 4 with Brown on 11 (61) and Washington on 12 (31).  This prompts Lewis Goldsworthy to be introduced to give Vaughan a break at the MT end. In fact it seems they are resting Jack as Archie changes ends to the River for the 32nd.  In fact, Lewis Jr has been used to switch the pair as Leachy then comes on at teh MT for the 33rd.  This works in the 34th as Brown plays on from Archie at 92 for 5 as the keeper goes back to one he ought to have gone forward to and finds himself chopping at air as the stumps are broken and he has gone for a fighting 21 from 77.  Out comes Organ as Liam Dawson is away with the English at the game I am watching as well.  He has in fact just taken a wicket.

The new pair take it past 100 at the end of the 38th with a Sundar four to 101 for 5.  They need another 149 for any kind of bonus point and 203 to save the follow on.  Way before any of that in the 41st there is an absolute peach from the England spinner as he gets one to drift away and then cut back to bowl Washington for 23 from 54 at 102 for 6 the Indian bat coudl do nothing about that one.  In comes Fuller with over 50 overs left in the day and the follow on total a long way off.

Fuller's first ball is 'nailed' straight into Tom Abell's head and there will be a need for a concussion check on that one and the Somerset player goes off with Josh Thomas coming on as his replacement.  If he does not pass the test that will be the end of his 2025 season as he would have to sit out next week's game against Essex.  If he does not come back on then this is also Josh Thomas' first class Somerset debut as well.

The new pair settle in well with Organ allowing Fuller to have free rein but in the 45th over, Leach gets Fuller sweeping and has him LBW for 24 from 16 missing one hitting middle.  Leach has another 5fer with 5 for 53 from 19 overs with 5 maidens.  In comes Barker at 128 for 7.  Again the pairs are fighting for their survival and the new pair push the score to 150 though Barker then nearly goes swinging and missing but with his back foot well set in the crease.  There is another four over the head of the skipper before big Keith tries to reverse sweep standing up and is bowled by the 'Nut' at the end of the 49th.  Out comes Abbott and he and Organ have moved the score to 172 for 8 in the 54th before Organ skies a rank lng hop straight up off Archie to take his side to 9 down for 172 as Jack takes the catch.  Jack is the last man in facing the other Jack in the 55th and Kasey takes an Ondaatje boundary catch off Abbott for 18 from 14 to give the older spin amn 7 for 69 from his 24.

172 all out and Somerset enforce the follow on and will take the Hampshire bats on both sides of the Tea interval.

The sides resume at 3:41 with Jack still bowling from the MT with a new ball  after a Tea interval.  Josh Thomas has replaced Tom Abell in this side as a concussion substitute.  The second Hampshire innings is much more solid and the bat out 21 overs for 35 runs with no loss before we get an unfortunate situatiion as they look at the light with 6 men around the bat.  Orr then faces Vaughan as the umpires think about the light and the weather - there is a bit of rain falling.  He is LBW to the young spinner going back to a fuller delivery for 27 from 68.  In comes Nick Gubbins for the second time in the day but he doesn't face a ball as the umpires take the players off just 90 seconds after Hampshire lose a wicket.   That is it for the day.

Day 4

We go into the last day of County Championship for 2025 with the possiblity of a win IF we can take 9 wickets in a full day.  A big ask but the weather may help us as it isn't likely to take time out of the first two sessions and we hope the spinners will get into the visitors batting line-up early.

Gubbinas and Middleton come out to start the fight against in windy conditions.   Tom Abell is confirmed as not available for the Essex game because of a concussion diagnosis. There is one ball to bowl from the Archie Vaughan 22nd over from Day 3 which he will deliver from the River.  Middleton has 8 from 63 balls and Gubbins has yet to face a ball at 35 for 1.  There are 96 overs in the day if we get that far. Jack Leach will properly start the day from the MT - no surprise.

Resistance continues until the 5th ball of the 27th from Vaughan when Middleton who has moved to 9 is not quite sure what to do with the ball and plops it straight into the hands of Kasey at leg slip at 37 for 2.  In comes Albert again with a BOG job to do to keep his county in this game by taking them well past lunch.  He is still not off the mark by the end of the 31st.  He finally breaks that with the first ball of the next.  Moving past 50 takes until the middle of the 33rd off a misshot for four leg byes through the gate.  Albert has 6 from 16 and Gubbins has 6 from 37.

They do their job though and the fielding side get a little over anxious, so much so that the umpires have a word with Gregory about 'over appealing' as we move past towards the first break of the day.  Somerset even turn to seam with Overton coming on for the first time in the second innings with the 44th over with only 3 runs coming from the 10 overs before him.  They keep Archie on at the other end with only 18 for 1 coming from the entire session up to that point.  He does get the breakthrough after 38 minutes without a run Albert is out LBW for 10 after taking two doubles before that ball.  57 for 3 as captain Brown arrives at the crease with the wind getting up again.

Jack is on for the 50th at 65 for 3 with Gubbins on 13 from 90 and Brown having moved to 2 from 7.  A boundary arrives in the 55th over after four maidens in a row - not suprising as Leach bowls the 56th with 8 around the bat.  Lunch arrives at 12:30 at 82 for 3 after 57 overs with Gubbins on 19 and Brown on 13 as Lewis Jr gets another bowl.

The second session starts with Vaughan on 40 for 3 from his 28.  His spoinning partner at the other end  is still wicketless for 25 from his 24 overs.  Very little happens the next 8 overs as they add 4 runs!!  Kasey gets an over for the 68th - his first of the innings.  However the Hampshire men are doing their job of just staying there. Goldsworthy wheels in for a few more going for 9 from his 5 in this over as Hampshire move to 94 from 72 overs.  Aldridge has only gone for 5 from his 4.  The does not arrive without another wicket from a Tom Lammonby's first over - the 76th.  It comes from the first ball of Goldsworthy's 8th.  It has moved on to 121 before Vaughan gets the breakthrough in the 84th when he breaks the excellent fighting partnership via a very low close catch from Kasey the ball turns and takes the edge.  He goes for 37 from 201 balls - real stubborness.

There are fielders all around the bat on their 'Trescothick' knee positions looking for the next break before the Tea break.  They may have saved the game though because the fourth wicket took a lot of time and there are only 31 overs left in the day.  Leach calls the Tea break as he has Brown with a floating full ball, LBW for 36 from 128.  That's Tea at 129 for 5.  

Washington Sundar and Felix Organ - the new bat - are out there for the 90th over from Archie with 29 overs to go in this game.  They have 2 bonus points and they want the other 8 points for the draw.  They are still there 10 overs later when Craig finishes his 6th for 15 at 167 for 5.  Washington has moved on to 38 from 47 and Organ only has 2 from his 26.  Leach still has more than half the team around the bat but it is unlikely that the wickets will fall for a Somerset win with only 18 left in the day and 5 wickets still in the Hampsire bag.

There's a bit of hope when Vaughan bowls Washington through the gate with the first ball of the 105th at 176 for 6.  Sundar goes for 46 from 56 and Vaughan has a 'Michelle' at 5 for 76 from 41 overs with 14 maidens.  Out comes Fuller to face the last 13.5 overs.

At 181 for 6 with only 5 overs to go the supporters hope for a last trick in the tail but it is unlikely even though Vaughan is spinning it in to a field of 8 arrounf the bat and Goldsworthy at short mid off.   Leach bowls the next and Josh Thomas takes a catch in between FIVE fielders on the off side.  Organ goes for 4 from 81!!  There were 9 within a bat length of the bat!!

185 for 7 with 3.5 overs left.  In comes Barker with 22 minutes left.  Fuller is still making runs while barker is just planning to stay there.  The 121st over ends with 193 for 7 with the time at 17:15 at the start of 122.  We will go until 17:30

There is still a twist as Archie bowls Fuller through his legs trying to whip it away.  He goes for 20 from 55 and Abbott walks out at 197 for 8 with Barker on 0.  There are now 10 around the bat and very little time left.  Barker will kick it away if he can.  Jack Leach will start the day from the MT - no surprise.  Vaughany bowls the 124th and Abbott takes Hampshire pass 200 with a boundary.  There is one more over to go at 17:24 with the Somerset players sprinting up the oterh end for the last Jack over.  In fact they manage another and in fact another after that to give Jack  the last at 127 - his 50th of this innings.  Even if he takes a wicket Hampshire have saved this as it will be too late to get the last man in.  They finish 201 for 8 and it is a draw - so close and yet so far

We take 15 points with the 8, 5 batting and 2 bowling points.  That is is for the home season and we go to Essex for the last game next Monday.  Archie finishes with 6 for 96 - a great bowling effort in the second innings.  

CC1 Last 2025 Home Game v Hampshire

Discussion started by Grockles.com , 16/09/2025 11:17

Grockles.com
16/09/2025 11:17

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Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2025:09:22:13:40:40 by Grockle.

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cricketjerry-mouse
14/09/2025 13:54

Hampshire will be without 24-year-old seam bowler Scott Currie when they visit Taunton for the four-day county championship match with Somerset tomorrow. He has been called up by England for the three-match ODI series with Ireland in place of the injured Saqib Mahmood.

Currie went for 44 runs in his four overs in Hampshire`s defeat by Somerset in last night`s Vitality Blast T20 final, but took 36 wickets in this season`s qualification stages. Hampshire will be in need of points as they are only six clear of Durham in the relegation berth, after having eight points deducted last week for poor pitch preparation for the Sussex match earlier in the season.



Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 2025:09:15:07:42:40 by Grockle.

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Des Platt
14/09/2025 14:16

Nice title CJM 🙂

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cricketjerry-mouse
14/09/2025 17:18

Shoaib Bashir makes a surprise return to the 14-man Somerset squad, alongside three other spinners - Archie Vaughan, Lewis Goldsworthy and Jack Leach. Ben Green, who like Bashir is leaving at the end of the season, has been recalled from his loan deal at Leicestershire, but there is no place for two of Somerset`s T20 campaign heroes - Sean Dickson and Will Smeed.

Squad: Vaughan, Kohler-Cadmore, Lammonby,, James Rew, Abell, Goldsworthy, Gregory, Green, Aldridge, Davey, Overton, Leach, Ball and Bashir.

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sfwithers
14/09/2025 18:42

Blimey, if Somerset prepare a pitch for four spinners they'll get an instant relegation to Division 2 and an unlimited fine!

That said, the chances of a full game are very slim - I was hoping to come down for a day or two this week, but unless there's a big change in the weather forecast, that's not going to happen.

More positively, I may take out a 2026 membership - the first time I'll have been a member since the early 1980s!

The sale of my late dad's maisonette went through a couple of weeks ago. He was a lifetime Somerset fan (supporting them from the late 1940s or early 50s through to the year he passed away, 2023) and he'd approve of that use of some of the money!

And I was hoping to go to the end of season dinner, but I'm already booked for Bath vs Sale rugby, so I'll have to pass, which is a shame.

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cricketjerry-mouse
14/09/2025 22:44

Hampshire include Indian Test all-rounder Washington Sundar, signed for just the last two championship matches of the season, in this 13-man squad:

Brown (c) Abbott, Albert, Barker, Fuller, Gubbins, Jack, Middleton, Organ, Orr, Prest, Sundar, Wheal.

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Grockle
15/09/2025 07:47

Maybe we've done some deal with the ECB that is we play Bash then the Durham issue may just go away.

Hope the weather does not make another September in the CC1 a farce. It's dull this side of the Irish Sea but you never know.

Sean Dickson seemed to be of the opinion that he would play his last game for Somerset at Edgbaston and he was probably right. Seems fitting that a player who has made such a contribution to the clulb in that competition should go out winning it. Good luck to him. Hope he finds his red ball niche at Glamorgan.

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cricketjerry-mouse
15/09/2025 11:05

Surrey (such a decent and friendly bunch!) are the only county to start on time today. The Sky commentators though - usually an informed and well-balanced team - are so far up Surrey`s ????? that I have had to switch off the only first-class cricket available in the land.

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Grockle
15/09/2025 16:05

Looks like it will be tomorrow before this starts.

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Bagpuss
15/09/2025 16:35

I think Sky are using a combo of their own and Surrey's in-house commentators (Dan Norcross, better known for his TMS work, does commentary for the Surrey live stream).

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Mike TA1
15/09/2025 16:39

How many times has a day's play been called off because of High Winds?

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Bagpuss
15/09/2025 16:46

Not quite the same thing, but a few seasons back the final day of the season at Taunton was abandoned before start of play because overnight winds had moved the covers.

Edit - add link. 2018. Quite a few seasons ago!
[www.bbc.co.uk]



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2025:09:15:16:57:39 by Bagpuss.

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Grizzers
15/09/2025 19:42

Chatted with one of the grounds team this morning. He said H & S rules prevent them from moving the covers/tarpaulins if the wind exceeds 40mph.

(Apparently, a member of the Notts. ground staff had their shoulder dislocated a year or two ago, when a gust of wind took the tarpaulin skywards as he was pulling it).

Disappointing.

Grizzers

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Mike TA1
15/09/2025 19:59

I wonder what the wind was like at the Surrey v Notts match.

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sfwithers
15/09/2025 20:57

Should this thread not be called 'Play off taunton menu'?

I live in Bath, which tends to have similar weather to Taunton, albeit a little later, and the Taunton outfield must have been sodden today.

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Grockle
16/09/2025 10:45

On the pitch batting and 1 down before 11...

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Grockle
16/09/2025 12:25

Post from CJM on the match report thread before I'd closed it;

"Hampshire fielding only three of the players who lost to Somerset in the Vitality Blast final - Albert, Fuller and Orr. Perhaps they picked the wrong side last Saturday"

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Loyal of Lhasa
16/09/2025 14:14

Ten home-grown players in the Somerset side today, compared with, I think, four Hampshire ones.

No surprise that at The Oval Surrey fields eight home grown men and Notts, the famous poachers, have play only three.

LoL

Seventy-eight Seasons a Somerset Supporter

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Grockle
16/09/2025 16:05

They even have their new signing Washington Sundar playing while we do not have an international at all in our side.

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Mike TA1
16/09/2025 19:45

Somerset v Hampshire 2nd day photos


Tom Kohler-Cadmore 4 runs


Tom Abel 4 runs and his 100


Kasey Aldridge 100 runs


Kasey Aldridge 6 runs


James Rew bld James Fuller


James Rew 6 runs

A day of two half's, to be honest, one third and two thirds. Very entertaining

Can Andy Hurry sleep at night, wondering what if.

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Grockle
16/09/2025 19:49

I'm sure he can if Kasey Aldridge can 😁

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Grizzers
16/09/2025 20:08

Very well batted Tom Abell and especially Kasey Aldridge.

Both batted with immense maturity, Tom passing 1000 runs for the season and Kasey more than showing what he is capable of. His interview with Anthony Gibson afterwards reflected very well on him & it was good to hear that he bears no ill will towards SCCC. Hopefully his career will kick on at Durham.

We are in a good position in this game, but whether we can take full advantage of that may depend on the meteorological gods, as much as how well we bowl.

Grizzers

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sfwithers
16/09/2025 21:59

Shame Aldridge is leaving....

Equally, of course, it's a shame he hasn't been able to put together more innings like that; had he done so, he'd possibly be staying in Taunton.

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Grockle
17/09/2025 08:37

Pete Trego summed it up yesterday on commentary, though I don't think it was a 'Trigger' original. He said sort of "when you have a strong squad 22 into 11 doesn't go" It can be a strength & a curse at the same time, especially when certain sections of your side click particularly & also stay fit

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Bagpuss
17/09/2025 10:24

Really looking forward to Kasey Aldridge being elevated to open the batting at Chelmsford this time next week.

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sfwithers
17/09/2025 11:15

Good call, Bagpuss.

After that, I think the likes of you and I could be on Somerset's radar for the opening spots.

********

It is odd, all things considered, that Smeed hasn't been tried at all and Umeed let go after at least some success. And a Smeed and Umeed opening pair would have a nice ring to it, too…

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Bobstan
17/09/2025 12:08

What's the matter with Jack today? 1.5 runs per over. Admittedly he has taken the odd wicket or three (as I type).

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Des Platt
17/09/2025 12:09

Haven’t seen any this morning but have seen the score and fear a second twenty point deduction.


Edit ; have just watched the wickets. What a brain dead shot by Gubbins.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2025:09:17:12:12:49 by Des Platt.

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sfwithers
17/09/2025 12:33

Go, Jack!

And while the ECB never cease to surprise me, after Somerset's score I don't think they'd consider the pitch 'below average'...

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Somerset LaLaLa
17/09/2025 13:19

Good effort Somerset... get maximum bonus points and shake hands for draw

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Bagpuss
17/09/2025 13:26

I think the ECB would be hard pushed to persuade anyone that this pitch has excessive turn. Somerset's first innings total may be exhibit 1, but it is closely followed by Hampshire's imported Indian off spinner's figures of 1-107 off almost 30 overs.

This thread could be renamed "Mr Leach Shows Up Washington".

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sfwithers
17/09/2025 15:17

I would normally say that about the ECB, but I'm very cynical about the organisation.

The points deduction story re the Durham game seems to have gone very quiet, which I also find worrying!!

I must learn from yoga class yesterday to breath better and relax more!

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Bagpuss
17/09/2025 15:50

I fully expect them to decide about points for the Durham pitch - once it is clear where Somerset will finish in the table.

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sfwithers
17/09/2025 17:16

Quote:

Bagpuss
I fully expect them to decide about points for the Durham pitch - once it is clear where Somerset will finish in the table.

So, Division 2 here we come, with an unprecedented 80 points reduction. Twenty for the 'below average' pitch and 60 for being Somerset!

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Mike TA1
17/09/2025 19:09

Somerset v Hampshire 3rd day photos


Sandar Washington bld Jack Leach


Kyle Abbott 6 runs


Felix Organ off Archie Vaughan


Ali Orr bld Jack Leach

Interesting day, a bit slow at time, thinking where is the next wicket coming from.
If the weather is kind tomorrow we should win!!

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That Bloke With The Dog
17/09/2025 21:47

As it happens, I was on the edge of my seat all day long, Mike!

Some proper biffing from Aldridge and Overton in the morning, and then over after over of the spin trio promising a wicket with every ball. Maybe it was because I was watching from the Ondatje Stand, where you feel right in amongst the action when the wicket is pitched on that side of the ground. You get the full experience of Leach, Vaughan and Goldsworthy closing in on the Hants batsmen.

Also, I think it's worth taking a moment to acknowledge how fortunate we Somerset supporters are: a conveyor belt of exciting players, constant Division One cricket, so many hard fought matches, like the last two days here, and yet another exciting final day to look forward to.

Sometimes I think we take it for granted. I mean, one of my best friends has been a Kent supporter for the last 60-plus years, and in the last decade he's seen too many days of frustration, drift and self-inflicted damage. Put it this way: back in May he spent the last morning of Kent's game at Lord's watching the live stream of Rew and Overton at Taunton chasing down the target against Essex. Somerset cricket is that thrilling.

For the last couple of decades we have been so lucky to be Somerset supporters. Never take it for granted.

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Farmer White
17/09/2025 22:42

Very well put TBWTD. About the last two decades (and for swathes of time before that), and for this match. It was not just you on the edge of your seat. There were times in the top of the Trescothick Pavilion today when virtually everyone went quiet whenever a ball was bowled, and then let forth a veritable wall of cheers when a wicket went down. The match wasn't on a knife edge, but the unrelenting nature of the bowling and the electric energy of the Somerset fielding seemed to simultaneously fire up the crowd (which made rather more noise than its relatively small size suggested it should) and crush the spirit of the Hampshire batters.

As you say, never take it for granted.

It was also good too to see Sean Dickson in the ground taking time to speak to passing supporters.

Farmer

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sfwithers
17/09/2025 22:47

"For the last couple of decades we have been so lucky to be Somerset supporters. Never take it for granted."

As a long-time Somerset fan I've learnt to take nothing for granted - we have been very lucky over the last 20 years or so.

My oft-mentioned late father started watching and supporting Somerset in the late 1940s or early 1950s, which were some very fallow years to say the least (in spite of some genuinely great players).

He first took me to watch Somerset in the early 1970s in Bath (a couple of days ago I found a picture of me aged around 10 at the Bath Rec). Success during that era was pretty much non-existent, but it was followed by Brian Close being brought in, so I was lucky to follow Somerset through the 'glory years' of the late 1970s/early 1980s, though circumstance meant I missed Somerset's Lord's victories (I was in Germany on a language course as part of my history degree when they won the Nat West Trophy in '83...).

The last decade or so has been the most successful period in Somerset's history with the exception of the that era, taking in two T20 titles and several serious tilts at the CC.

And, while it's always a case of ifs and buts, I think that this year with a following wind we could have been challenging for that elusive CC title.

Against Worcester we really, really should have declared when Banton reached 300; I was there, I said this at the time. A win may (or of course may not) have followed, but I still think it was the wrong call; it didn't seem to help Tom Banton for the next few games.

Throw in the last match that we would probably have won with more clement weather, which could also be the case this game, and it would have been tight..

Hey ho!

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Loyal of Lhasa
18/09/2025 15:13

It may be gripping at Taunton but it has been even grippinger at The Oval, where Notts have just defeated Surrey by a handful of runs. It may be a heresy but I was actually hoping Surrey would win as I have lost all sympathy with the poachers of Nottingham.

LoL

Seventy-eight Seasons a Somerset Supporter



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2025:09:18:17:28:48 by Loyal of Lhasa.

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Somerset LaLaLa
18/09/2025 16:16

The winner is the county championship. I thought Surrey had this, what a fascinating game. Who would possibly think of diminishing its stature?

But if we have to play during storm season, surely 5 days should be made available...

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Des Platt
18/09/2025 16:39

I completely agree LOL. Peter Moore will be insufferable now with his myth of developing young players whereas in fact this is just a case of stolen players from other counties. It will be on his CV that he has won the championship with three teams but he has also had two of them relegated, and masterminded two relegations at Lancashire. In addition, only Lancashire’s ineptitude has saved Notts from being relegated twice in the last five years, at least once by a points deduction for over rate.

No young players really developed in his time at Lancashire. Some had a good season’s development and then went back the following year. There was a heck of a lot of talent there too.

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Loyal of Lhasa
18/09/2025 17:36

My reading of the table is that if Poachingshire get no points from their final match (and that is what they deserve) and Surrey get 14 and Somerset 24, there will be three sides with 203 points, but Somerset will then debited 203 point for the ioffence of effrontery.

LoL

Seventy-eight Seasons a Somerset Supporter



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2025:09:18:18:31:09 by Loyal of Lhasa.

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Mike TA1
18/09/2025 19:39

Somerset v Hampshire 4th day photos

They tried their hardest, but the Taunton wicket didn't help the bowlers.


Sundar Washington 4 runs


Nick Gubbins off Archie Vaughan


James Fuller off Kasey Aldridge


Fletcha Middleton ct Kasey Aldridge bld Archie Vaughan


Ben Brown – we all remember who were on his knees while fielding!

That is the end of me for this season, what will next season bring!

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Grizzers
18/09/2025 19:47

Looking back over an exciting season at Taunton & despite all of our sterling efforts, I can't help thinking that the biggest winner, once again, has been the pitch.

Impressive effort and persistence today from Somerset & Archie in particular, but Hampshire did well to hang on for a draw.

As did Worcester in the first game of the season !

Grizzers

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Bobstan
18/09/2025 20:29

Thanks as ever for all your photos, Mike.

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sfwithers
18/09/2025 21:06

Quote:

Grizzers
Looking back over an exciting season at Taunton & despite all of our sterling efforts, I can't help thinking that the biggest winner, once again, has been the pitch.
Impressive effort and persistence today from Somerset & Archie in particular, but Hampshire did well to hang on for a draw.

As did Worcester in the first game of the season !

Grizzers

And with a following wind, we might/could/should have beaten Worcs - and we should have declared earlier.

And without the rain we'd probably/possibly/almost certainly have won the last two games.

But that's how it goes.

(I'm still intrigued/concerned about the possible points deduction. As it stands, an 8-point deduction would make no difference - 20 points would only drop Somerset one place. As I've said before, it's almost the case of taking a bigger penalty up front with less of a suspended penalty. Though the ECB could do both...)

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Farmer White
21/09/2025 22:21

With the Essex game still a couple of days away, here is my take on the final day against Hampshire entitled, Of twirling arms and thrust forward pads and bats:

[farmerwhite.co.uk]

And, not to forget the official first day, here is my slightly light-hearted take, entitled, Wind stopped play

[farmerwhite.co.uk]

Farmer



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2025:09:22:09:04:59 by Farmer White.

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Des Platt
22/09/2025 00:25

Quote:

Bobstan
Thanks as ever for all your photos, Mike.

Agree Bobstan 👍

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