Somerset prepare to entertain Sri Lanka at Taunton tomorrow

Following their convincing win over Hampshire yesterday, Somerset look forward to another big match tomorrow when they entertain Sri Lanka at the County Ground in the Patron's Salver Challenge match.

The 50 over match, that gets underway at 10.45 am, is being sponsored by the club's patron Christopher Ondaatje, who was born in Sri Lanka.

Mr Ondaatje is presenting a silver salver, and three Queens Golden Jubilee goblets to the winners, and the losers will also be presented with a replica set to mark this special occasion.

Somerset boss Peter Anderson said: "This is a prestigious 1 day match against a top international side and we are hoping that a large number of supporters will come along to watch the match. With this in mind members have free entry, paying spectators will be charged £10, but youngsters up to the age of 16 will be admitted free."

Mr Anderson continued: "As well as funding the magnificent salver,our patron is picking up the bill for staging the match which is very generous gesture on his part. Mr Ondaatje is very interested in the affairs of the club and is continually analysing what we have to do to remain on our present site."

Mr Ondaajte told me: "I think that this is a fantastic privilege for me to host this match against Sri Lanka, the country of my birth. I am more than pleased to do it, especially in the Queens Golden Jubilee year."

Mr Anderson concluded: " Mr Ondaajte is our patron and is a very keen supporter of England and of Somerset County Cricket Club and the County Ground, but when we entertain Sri Lanka on Friday, I'm looking forward to seeing where his loyalties are!