TOM Banton reflected on “the best feeling I’ve had on a cricket field” after his maiden Somerset century helped his side to an emphatic 264-run victory over Kent in their Royal London One-Day Cup South Group opener.
Banton made 107 from 79 balls to help Somerset to 358-9 then took three catches behind the stumps as the visitors were rolled out for 94 in reply.
READ MORE: As it happened - Somerset crush Kent in One-Day Cup opener
The 20-year-old said: “The last two weeks have been good fun in the 2s [Banton scored 150 in the midweek win at Middlesex seconds] so I was just trying to take that form into today.
“It was tricky to begin with – Podmore and Stevens were tricky – but it flattened out and we made the most of it.
“I loved every minute of it in front of a full house. It’s the best feeling I’ve had on a cricket field.”
It was also a notable day for Craig Overton, who smashed an unbeaten 66 from 36 balls before taking 5-18 – both List A career-bests.
“If you had seen my net on Wednesday you wouldn’t have believed how cleanly I was going to strike it today,” said Overton, who cleared the Sir Ian Botham Stand with one of his four sixes.
“Because of our batting strength up top I am often coming in with three or four overs to go and having to go big from ball one.
“Today I had a bit more time to play myself in and then go for it.
“It was very pleasing to contribute and it’s a great start for us.”
Captain Tom Abell added: “We spoke a lot in pre-season about being relentless and ruthless and today was a perfect example of that.
“I am delighted for Bants [Tom Banton]. He is a special talent and we all know what he is capable of.
“Craig [Overton] has been a top player for us for several years now and he keeps putting in top performances.”
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