This weekend marks the 150th anniversary of Somerset County Cricket Club, which was founded after a cricket match between the Gentlemen of Devon and the Gentlemen of Somerset at Sidmouth on August 18, 1875, writes Richard Walsh.
Since then, the club has become an integral part of life, not just in Taunton but across the whole of Somerset and the South West of England.
In the early years, Australian-born Sammy Woods, who became part of Somerset folklore, and elegant batter Lionel Palairet provided the entertainment, while between the world wars, JC ‘Jack’ White, Harold Gimblett, and Arthur Wellard gave the crowds plenty to cheer.
Despite always having a reputation for playing attractive cricket, their supporters had to wait until 1979 before they celebrated a trophy, but when they did, they won two in as many days.
This was the start of the ‘Glory Years’, during which a team including Ian Botham, Joel Garner, and Viv Richards, captained by Brian Rose, won five trophies in as many years.
It was 18 years before they enjoyed more success when, in 2001, under the captaincy of Jamie Cox, now the CEO, they won the Cheltenham and Gloucester with a team that included Andy Caddick, Marcus Trescothick, Ian Blackwell, and Keith Parsons.
Four years later, led by Graeme Smith, they lifted the T20 Cup and in 2007 under Justin Langer, Somerset returned to the top division of the county championship where they have remained.
In 2019, with Tom Abell at the helm, the club enjoyed more success at Lord’s, winning the Royal London One Day Cup, and then 18 years after their last success in the competition, they won the Vitality Blast under skipper Lewis Gregory.
Over the last 150 years, Somerset have enjoyed considerable success in one-day cricket, but are yet to win the County Championship, so there is plenty left to play for in the future.
Somerset is celebrating their 150th anniversary on Sunday, August 17, when they host Warwickshire in the Metro Bank One Day Cup, starting at 11am, during which there will be a number of special birthday activities taking place.
On Monday, August 18, a Somerset Legends XI led by Jamie Cox will be playing a Devon XI at Sidmouth Cricket Club, starting at 5pm.
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