Rob Turner overwhelmed by the support for his benefit year

Somerset's Rob Turner has been overwhelmed by the generosity of the supporters and his sponsors for his benefit year in 2002.

Earlier this week the popular wicket-keeper told me: "Thanks to the support that I received from Somerset members and supporters both on and off the field and from Rowan Dartington, my benefit year has raised £100,000.I would like to pass on my sincere thanks to everybody who supported me in my year."

He continued: "My benefit was extremely hard work, for both myself and my committee but everybody rallied round. All of the Somerset players were brilliant in supporting my events, but it was incredibly hard work and at the end of the year I was very tired."

However after hosting a tour to watch some of the Ashes Test series during the winter, normal service has been resumed and he is back in full training.

During a break he told me: "I'm really looking forward to the new season, and it will be good to be able to focus solely upon the cricket this year."

For the last ten years Turner has become an integral part of the Somerset team, and in addition to being one of the most consistent `keepers on the county circuit he has been dubbed `Mr Reliable' by some as a result of the number of innings that he has played in crucial situations over the seasons in both the county championship and one day matches.

What could the supporters look forward to this season I asked. "We have made some very good signings over the winter and this year there will be some interesting cricket to watch. There is a real feeling in the camp that we could win the championship, albeit the second division."

He continued: "For once at the club we have strength in depth. Over the last couple of seasons the side has almost picked itself but now there is real competition for places in the team which has to be good."

What about the new Twenty 20 competition. "This is something that we need to have really good look at because it is something else that we could win and there is a fair amount of money up for grabsif I get in the team!" he told me.

At the age of thirty five how much longer did he think that he would continue to play first class cricket I asked. "I want to play for Somerset as long as I am fit and of use to the team. I feel great and really strong, and there is no reason why I should not get fitter and better at my game, " he told me.

He concluded: "We can definitely get promoted in both the championship and the National League. This year I think that we really could pull off something big so I just can't wait to get out there on the grass and get the season started."