As he sat in his office looking out over a rainswept County Ground this morning, Somerset chief executive Peter Anderson reflected upon a couple of issues which he has spoken about recently.

He told me: "It is pleasing to note at long last that some of the national cricket writers are starting to compliment the first-class counties for producing good players.

"Mike Dickson of the Daily Mail widely reported Rod Marsh's view that the county and it's feeder system is now probably better organised than that in Australia, and is beginning to produce quality players who will have their chances at the National Academy.

"Somerset is particularly pleased with the change of reporting style because the regional academy that is based here at the County Ground is also identifying gems, in the 12-18 age group, each of whom is receiving specialist coaching from Somerset and ECB coaches. Some of these players at young ages will be making second eleven appearances, which is the way forward."

The Somerset chief then turned his attention to another cause that he has championed in recent months. Mr Anderson told me: "Somerset is also pleased to note that there is provision in the recent budget for financial relief to amateur sports clubs."

Along with several other county chief executives and leading lights from other sports, the Somerset Chief Executive wrote to all local MPs to draw their attention to the plight of voluntary sports clubs, as a result of which this action has been taken.

© SOMERSET