The Somerset Junior Sabres pre season bash that took place at the County Ground on Easter Saturday really did turn out to be the biggest and best ever to be organised by the club.

Over one hundred and twenty youngsters attended the event that was held in the Centre of Excellence, and a great time was had by all that attended.

One of the Junior Sabres told me: "I have been to several of the bashes, but this one just has to be the best. I hope the club arrange some more days like this for us, they are really great."

Membership secretary Jo Betsworth told me: "I am really delighted with the turn out today, especially with it being Easter Saturday, and they are all having such a great time."

The youngsters who attended all took part in a number of different activities during the morning and one of the most popular of the activities was "bowl at a player." Somerset stars Ian Blackwell, Rob Turner and Matt Bulbeck all had to be on their guard as the stars of the future bowled their hearts out.

In addition there was a throwing competition, a quiz, face painting, the Coca Cola inflatable football game and a visit to see Professor Popcorn, who seemed to have the ability to keep all members of the groups entertained, whatever their ages.

At the end of the bash all of the children were given a goody bag from the club, and prizes were awarded to the winners of each of the competitions.

Somerset Cricket Development Officer Andrew Moulding who was very much in the thick of things for the whole time told me: "There is a really good atmosphere and we are very pleased with the turn out. It has been well worth making the effort to do it because it has brought a lot of youngsters and their parents to the Centre of Excellence who wouldn't normally come here, which has to be a good thing."

Rob Turner, one of the Somerset players who attended the event told me: "It's been a great day and the kids have really enjoyed the bash. It's good to get them involved with the club, and hopefully a lot of them will come back and support us during the season."

© SOMERSET