Somerset County Cricket Club has been overwhelmed by the number of members wanting tickets for the Cheltenham and Gloucester Final at Lord's on September 1st.

The original allocation of 4,500 had all but sold out by late afternoon yesterday, and despite the office closing early, staff were at the County Ground until late into the evening to process all the applications that they had received from members during the day.

The club has applied to Lord's for a further 1,000 tickets, and if any of these still remain unsold early next week they will go on sale to the general public.

Members of the public can also apply direct to Lord's for their tickets by telephoning 0207 432 1066.

According to a source at the Lord's ticket office large numbers of Somerset fans have already obtained their tickets direct, which is likely to mean that when the 'Cidermen' walk out onto the pitch on September 1st they will be cheered on by as many as 9,000 of their fans.

© SOMERSET