SOMERSET’S Tom Abell notched up his first half-century and took three wickets for Western Australian first grade side Fremantle at the weekend.

The highly rated 21 year-old - who scored 726 runs at an average of 36.30, opening the championship batting with Marcus Trescothick this summer - took three wickets in the 10 overs he bowled to limit opponents Bayswater-Morley to 176-8 from their 50 overs.

The Taunton youngster then hit an unbeaten 65 off 114 balls with five fours to see Fremantle to 178-1 in 41.3 overs.

Talking afterwards Abell said: “It was nice to contribute and finally get some runs under my belt at the weekend as I have been a bit short of runs in the first couple of games.

“Fremantle have had a slow start to the season as a team on the batting front which has cost us three out of the four games, however there is a lot of potential side so hopefully we can make that count as we start the two day games.”

Abell added: “Perth is a great place to be and I am really enjoying my time here.

“I am lucky to have joined a great club with some great guys who have been very accommodating while I've found my feet.

“I am keeping pretty busy during the weeks with training and a bit of work on the side and definitely enjoying training in a slightly different climate.”