Mixed Start For Somerset In Metro Bank One Day Cup
Somerset had a mixed start to the 2024 Metro Bank One Day Cup with a win and a defeat from the opening two games in Group A.
The Vertu Motors-backed side went into the opening game at home to Kent on the back of a straightforward victory over Devon a warm-up match, but lost the toss as the visitors elected to go in to bat first.
Kent set a target of 268 to win after being bowled out for 267, helped by half centuries from both Joey Evison and Grant Stewart, with the latter part of a late flourish in the final ten overs after his side had slipped to 182-7.
Lewis Goldworthy impressed with the ball to take 4-44 from his ten overs, whilst there were also three wickets for Alfie Ogborne.
Although Goldsworthy joined George Thomas in being removed cheaply within the first ten overs of Somerset’s reply, the home side then hit its stride as Andy Umeed and James Rew put on 121 for the third wicket to take control of the match.
Rew departed for 71 before Archie Vaughan was unfortunate to be run out without facing a ball to make the score 165-4.
Whilst Somerset would ultimately lose three further wickets, Umeed carried his bat through the innings for a fine 114 not out to help clinch a comfortable win.
Next up was a trip to Southampton to face Hampshire as both sides chased a second successive win, with Somerset this time going in to bat first and set a target to be chased.
Thomas and Umeed shared a partnership of 85 before Thomas was first man out for 41, with Goldsworthy again following quickly afterwards for three.
A number of batsman managed to make a start only to then fail to build an innings, with the likes of Kasey Aldridge and Ned Leonard threatening when they first hit the crease but not being able to hit a big score.
That meant it was left to Umeed to once again be the lynchpin for his side, with his 84 helpind set a target of 243.
Hampshire’s reply didn’t start well when Leonard removed opener Nick Gubbins in the first over, with that being one of three catches for James Rew early on that restricted the home side to 61-3.
Fletcha Middleton however hit a half century before Toby Albert and Felix Organ put on an unbeaten century partnership to guide the home side to a five wicket win; Albert top scoring with 96.
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