Earlier today at The County Ground in Taunton Somerset Chief Executive Peter Anderson told me, "Somerset are busy gearing up all their powers of persuasion in preparation for the forthcoming meetings to discuss the future organisation and structure of first class cricket."

Mr Anderson continued, "The Chief Executive has been active writing articles for the national press and cricketing periodicals which have drawn letters of support from all areas of the country."

The Chief went on, "It was very pleasing to note that Graeme Hick has come out in favour of County Cricket - it needs more players to do likewise."

Mr Anderson added, "County Cricket is not all bad, and it is a silly notion to think that the standard of County Cricket is ever going to be the same as Test Cricket. It's far to simple to say that if it can't match Test Cricket it's no good."

He concluded, "In the meantime Somerset are well advanced for the Regional Academy which will up and runing by November 1st. We hope to announce the new intake towards the middle of October. There are some outstanding young cricketers which augers well for the future of both Somerset and England cricket."

© SOMERSET