The Somerset players reported back for their first structured team practice of the new season earlier this week.

Virtually all of the locally based players were in attendance at The Centre of Excellence at The County Ground along with a number of the youngsters from the Academy.

Fast bowler, Simon Francis who joined the Cidermen at the end of last season after being released by Hampshire, looked impressive with the ball and was putting some of the Somerset batsmen through their paces.

Former Northamptonshire batsman Dave Roberts was also attending the net session, "So that we can take a closer look at him, "Kevin Shine told me. Twenty six year old Roberts, who hails from Mullion in Cornwall, scored a century for Somerset Seconds in the final match of the season against Leicestershire at Hinkley.

The coach told me, "They're fit, hungry and raring to go," and continued, "They are as prepared now as I've ever seen them at this stage of the season. All of them have been visiting the gym regularly, and have also had individual net sessions as well. All of them want to improve their performances which is most pleasing," he continued.

What was he hoping for in 2002 I asked the coach. "There's no reason why we can't carry on where we left off last season. They have'nt slacked off at all and the world is their oyster," he told me.

© SOMERSET