What an amazing season! When I say that, I speak not only of the C & G glory and runners-up in the championship but of the complete turn around in performance in the second half of the year.

By mid-June we were sitting firmly in the relegation zone in both divisional competitions and we had wasted a wonderful opportunity in the B & H competition, with a dismal home quarterfinal performance against Yorkshire. The side was playing without passion and seemingly, interest and as Captain, I was feeling very tired and frustrated.

Hallelujah for the arrival of the C&G competition. Since making the Final in 1999 there has been a feeling amongst the team that this is a competition that we can dominate. Our full strength is a formidable unit and undoubtedly our best opportunity to win a trophy. The start of this competition coincided with the majority of individuals taking greater responsibility for their own and the team's performances and we have had heroes at every turn since, as a result.

In the C&G it started with Mark Lathwell's 100 and Jamie Grove's 4 wickets in the match against Cambridgeshire, performances so good that it was the only game they played throughout the competition! Marcus Trescothick then took over to bludgeon the Welsh in the fourth round match at Taunton. Michael Burns' heroics at Canterbury got us through the quarterfinal and of course Keith Dutch and Rob Turner got us through that amazing semi against Warwickshire. As for the final, well I am convinced that was just meant to be and fittingly, the local hero Keith Parsons ensured that we would all have a day to remember.

In the Championship, I cannot speak highly enough of the efforts of Richard Johnson and Steffan Jones, who were both fabulous in leading the attack. The batting was extremely consistent and having 14 players averaging between 30 and 58 indicates why we were generally able to post competitive scores. This depth also enabled us to fight out some rearguard draws, which was the difference between 2nd and 3rd on the table.

The future looks bright again and I know now that for most the remaining major hurdle is the Championship. The Yorkies deserved their title but to beat them at full strength at Headingly gave us great heart. Success breeds confidence and expectation and there are now big things expected of Somerset in 2002. Only time will tell if we are up for it but I can assure you that I return to Tasmania a very proud Captain, determined to have a red-hot tilt at Championship glory next April.

© Somerset CCC