Coach Kevin Shine is proud of the Somerset trio after England victory over Sri Lanka

Somerset players were once again to the fore as England beat Sri Lanka in a close contest in their penultimate match in the triangular VB series, to virtually ensure themselves a place in the finals of the competition.

Ciderman Andy Caddick was named as `the man of the match' after ending with the impressive figures of 4 for 35 from his ten over spell. Ian Blackwell pouched two catches from his Somerset team mate and after an expensive first over restricted the Sri Lankan batsmen to just 44 runs from his ten overs.

Earlier Marcus Trescothick helped to pave the way for a substantial England total when he hit 39 from just 42 balls.

At the end of the game Ian Blackwell told me: "Well, another game and another win, which should hopefully see us through to the finals. Just a win by either ourselves or Australia in the remaining two games and its a certainty."

Blackie continued: "I had a mixed game today myself. Its never nice getting a first baller but I must say it was a fairly good ball first up so never mind that's cricket. I bowled well enough and I will always take 44 off 10 even with no wickets. In the context of proceedings that was a job well done."

He concluded: "At least I contributed in the field taking one regulation catch and then a bit of a stunner, both off `Caddy' that earned him the `man of the match' so he owes me a drink! `Banger' is also hitting the ball well now which could stand us in good stead for the finals."

Somerset coach Kevin Shine was full of praise for his trio of players. He told me: "We are very proud of them, and they all made a valuable contribution to a great win. It's especially nice to see a bowler getting the `man of the match award' because it doesn't happen very often. `Caddy' is going from strength to strength and has shown great character today in that performance."