Somerset Under-19's beat Hampshire in ECB Under-19s final

Somerset Under-19's stormed to a resounding victory over Hampshire at the Nevil Road Ground in Bristol yesterday in the final of the ECB 2 day competition, with a day to spare.

After winning the toss and batting first Hampshire were bowled out for 125, with Adam Kelly, who plays for Taunton Deane CC took 3 for 34, with the rest being shared amongst the other bowlers.

In reply the Somerset young guns reached their target for the loss of just two wickets, with left hander Tom Webley who was in fine form ending unbeaten on 70 and Gareth Andrew also unbeaten on 34 at the end.

This is the last time that this competition is being held and is being phased out to make way for a similar under 21 competition next season. Somerset last won this trophy in 1999.

Somerset Under-19's manager Peter Robinson told me: "The team have played positively throughout the competition. Chris Gange has led the side well, there has been some very impressive fielding and they have gelled together very well as a unit."

He continued: "We have probably been a much younger side than most of those that we have played, and in the final young Robert Woodman from the Castle School, who is still Under-15 came into replace Arul Suppiah and had just nine runs scored off his five overs. Tom Webley played his innings of the season which helped us chasing what could have been a difficult small score. The team got themselves into a winning habit and this is infectious."

At the end of the match the delighted Somerset Chief Executive Peter Anderson told me: "This was a wonderful team effort and it was wonderful to witness such an invigorating performance from a very youthful and enthusiastic team."