My memories of a fantastic day - 1st September 2001

Saturday 1st September finally arrives and we are all excited to be back at Lords, eager to put the Final of 2 years ago behind us and at last bring back some silverware to 'trophy-starved' Taunton.

On completing another strenuous warm-up, we retire to the changing room and are pleased that under a clear blue sky, Jamie wins the toss and elects to bat.

Our openers got us off to a great start, buoyed by the huge roars which came from the stands for every run Somerset scored. The mood in the dressing room was already quite positive, although we all feel for Scott Boswell, obviously struggling to find his rhythm.

Contributions from all the batters meant a total of 250 looked within reach. Rob and I were stifi together as the final overs began and we wanted to take full advantage of the situation and we quickly gathered good momentum. To reach a total of 271, and having personally hit the final 2 balls for 6, taking me to 60 not out, was an achievement beyond my wildest dreams but we still had a long way to go.

Deep down, we all knew that Afridi, whilst being an incredibly dangerous player, was going to give us an early chance, and sure enough he did. Thankfully, it went straight In the safe hands of Rob Turner.

This was the boost that we needed at the start of the Leicestershire innings, and although they had some useful partnerships, we got wickets at important times right up to that 'magical moment' when Steffan knocked over Scott Boswell's leg stump - let the celebrations begin were the cries!

Personally my day got even better when I learned the news that I had won the 'Man of the Match' accolade and I duly went to collect it from our former coach, Dermot Reeve.

The lap of honour was an opportunity for us to say a big 'thank you' to all those loyal Somerset fans who made the trip up to Lords and had supported us through the not-so-good times.

It really was a 'dream day' that I, the rest of the team, and all those who witnessed the excitement at Lords, will remember for many years.

Here's to retaining the trophy in 2002! Also I would like to take this opportunity to thank all those who kindly sent me congratulations letters and cards, they were all greatly appreciated.

© Somerset CCC