It seems that Somerset all-rounder Keith Dutch has at last found his true vocation in life. After spending a number of seasons on the staff at Middlesex he has had to travel to the West Country to find his real forte and be fully appreciated, and not just on the cricket field.

Out on the field today there was no play because of the heavy rainfall so "Dutchy" put his talents to good use elsewhere at the club.

Membership secretary Jo Betsworth told me: "Today we have been so busy in the office, fielding telephone calls regarding the match and dealing with membership enquiries along with allsorts of other things that we have all been rushed off our feet. We needn't have worried though because Keith Dutch came to our rescue and made us all a nice cup of tea, which just arrived unannounced, it was very much appreciated!"

Jo Betsworth also told me that for the first time ever the club is going to have a mascot that will be making it's first appearance in front of the large crowd who are expected to be present for the Golden Jubilee Match against Yorkshire Phoenix on Sunday May 12th.

The Somerset mascot will be very friendly, and is currently eagerly waiting to announce it's arrival to home crowds. The new mascot is expected to become a firm favourite with both young and old, and a competition will run throughout this season to come up with a name for it.

The advice from Jo Betsworth is: "Watch out for the new Somerset mascot on May 12th. You won't be able to miss it because it will be everywhere!"

Meanwhile official 2002 autograph sheets are now available from the office, priced £1, which includes postage. Anybody who would like the new autograph sheet should write to membership secretary Jo Betsworth at the County Ground, St James Street, Taunton, Somerset, TA1 1JT.

© SOMERSET