Steffan Jones, who was the Cidermen's leading wicket taker overall in 2001 is in no doubt what the new season holds for Somerset.

"I think that we will win the County Championship in 2002, finish in the top three of the NUL, and it would be a dream come true to win the Cheltenham and Gloucester Trophy again," he told me.

Steffan, who will be 28 in February, made his Somerset debut in 1997 and has become a firm favourite with the crowds at the County Ground.

Almost every day since the end of the 2001 season, Steffan has been training hard at the Academy Fitness Centre at the County Ground. During last winter he converted his garage into a home gymnasium, and this closed season he has added a computer to enable him to monitor his improved performances.

"I'm much more organised now. I've even bought a hand held computer and take it everywhere with me. I set myself a target three years ago of a place in the World Cup squad next winter. I've been working hard with Mark Garaway at my batting and with Kevin Shine with my bowling.I'm looking to make my action more efficient.

"This should be my peak season. I have set myself targets of 70 championship wickets, thirty NUL wickets, 500 runs and increasing my bowling speed to 90 miles per hour, all of which are definitely achievable," he told me.

"Two years ago we rested on our laurels and to make sure that doesn't happen again Andy Hurry is training people like they never have done before. 2002 is a big season for us," he concluded.

© SOMERSET