The forty over match at the County Ground on Saturday was deemed to be a great success by all those who were involved.

Certainly the players took the match that was played out in bright sunshine between themselves very seriously, with each side having its own separate coach and dressing room.

Kevin Shine told me: "It was very good, an excellent day's cricket. Batting was difficult especially early on, but all of the bowlers performed well."

For the winning team two of Somerset's rising young stars Matt Wood (56) and Tom Webley (27) shared a good opening partnership, with Mike Burns also making a useful contribution.

Fast bowler Steffan Jones told me: "It's been a very worthwhile day, and a good workout for everyone. It was good for me because I was bowling a good pace with my new action."

Regarding the new season Steffan told me: "I'm very much looking forward to the new season because Richard Johnson and myself will have good back up bowlers to support us. Whoever it is, Joe Tucker, Matt Bulbeck, Pete Trego or Simon Francis they are all top performers which may mean that we won't have to bowl such long spells!"

Piran Holloway, who was missing from the Somerset scene for the second half of last season because of injury, and who has spent the winter out in Perth coaching Scarborough CC told me: "It's been an excellent first week back out on the grass for us."

Piran continued: "I'm fully fit now and really happy to be playing again and I'm enjoying everything. Hopefully I'll will be in the side for the three day match at Millfield next weekend and will have a good season and regain the form that I enjoyed a couple of years ago. As long as I am playing and scoring runs then I'll be happy."

One of last season's heroes Keith Dutch who made such an impact after joining from Middlesex the previous winter told me: "It's been pretty good out there and Frosty has prepared a good wicket for us today."

With regard to the first week back on grass "Dutchy" told me: "We have been very fortunate with the pleasant weather and made use of the excellent facilities here at the County Ground. We've tried out a few different things which will get us ready for both the four and one day game."

Regarding next week he told me: "I'm looking forward to some competitive games next week and some more nets and then hopefully playing at Millfield next Saturday ahead of the first championship match."

Somerset Chief Executive was also in the thick of things in the match today. Mr Anderson was one of the umpires and was able to have a look at the players from close quarters.

© SOMERSET