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My First Somerset Five-For: Alfonso Thomas
Some of the finest players ever to have graced the game have taken to the field for Somerset County Cricket Club over the years.
These players have created some of the most memorable moments in the history of our great Club.
Over the next few weeks we will be taking a closer look at some of Somerset’s most famous bowlers, with special focus falling on their first five-wicket haul for the Club.
Alfonso Thomas joined Somerset ahead of the 2008 season and didn’t have to wait long for his first five-wicket haul. More on that shortly…
‘The Fonz’ remained with the Club until 2015 and during that time he featured in 267 matches across the formats, claiming 558 wickets.
The first of his 14 five-fors for Somerset came in his second County Championship match in his debut season.
There were glimpses of Thomas’ class in the opening fixture of the 2008 campaign.
He claimed three wickets in Surrey’s first innings as Somerset eased to an eight-wicket victory at Whitgift School, although he went wicketless in the second innings.
Yorkshire were the visitors to Taunton just a few days later.
The away side won the toss and elected to bat. Despite losing two early wickets, Jacques Rudolph made 155 as Yorkshire posted a first innings total of 372.
Despite half centuries from Marcus Trescothick (51) and Craig Kieswetter (67 not out), Somerset were dismissed for 258 in reply.
Charl Willoughby and Andy Caddick then reduced the visitors to 0 for two before Thomas ripped into the Yorkshire batters to claim five for 46 from 18.3 overs as the White Rose County were all out for 208.
Set a total of 323 for victory, Somerset slipped to 54 for four but a century from Zander de Bruyn gave his side hope.
Unfortunately, the hosts were dismissed for 282 as Yorkshire won by 40 runs.
Despite the result, the Somerset faithful witnessed a first rise to prominence of one of the Club’s modern day greats.
