Somerset victorious
Friday, August 03, 2012 7:38 PM
FRIDAY, AUGUST 3: It was a batting collapse of extraordinary proportions and it cost St George's the most valuable of prizes.
Going into day two the Blue and Blues looked odds on to retain the Cup Match honours if they could hold their nerve.
But a superhuman bowling display by the Somerset pace attack tore the heart out of the St George's line up and ensured that the trophy would enjoy at least a year in the West End.
Greg Maybury and Kamau Leverock were the stars of the show for the home side after an incredbly brave knock by their skipper Jekon Edness had seen his team take a lead of just over 50 into the second innings.
Edness's innings was absolutely crucial to his side's eventual victory and it was only ended when he had to be stretchered from the field after being floored by a brute of a delivery.
Although the Somerset skipper was missing when his side took the field his fast bowlers tore into their opponents like men possessed.
Maybury picked up a spectacular five wicket haul and Leverock was rewarded for his pace and persistence when he picked up two second innings scalps.
The St George's batsmen came and went in quick succession and it seemed few were able to deal with potency of the bowling or the brutal afternoon heat.
To bowl a side out that included the likes of Lionel Cann, Fiqre Crockwell and Glenn Blakeney for less than 100 was an exceptional effort.
And it meant that Somerset required just 28 runs when their openers took to the crease in their second innings.
Chris Douglas and Terryn Fray barely looked troubled as they knocked off the meagre total in just a few overs.
The final six by Douglas was the queue for riotous celebrations from the home crowd as red and blue shirted supporters invaded the pitch.
It also meant that the 10-year Somerset Cup Match drought was over.
The home side played their hearts out and thoroughly deserved this precious victory.
And it was the young guns of Maybury and Leverock who proved to be the match winners, which bodes well for the future of the team.