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George and James look back on special week
When George Bartlett walked out to the middle against Nottinghamshire at the Cooper Associates County Ground earlier this week the scoreboard read 43 for two. A big partnership was needed and George and Tom Lammonby didn’t disappoint, adding 119 before Lammonby was out for a patient 73. George and Tom Kohler-Cadmore then put on 69 before the latter went for 33.
James Rew then joined George and the pair took the total onto 320 before the more experienced batter was out for an outstanding 134, the eighth century of his career.
James remained at the crease to see the hosts to 514 for eight declared by which time he was unbeaten on a career beat 123, his fourth Championship century of the season. Notts were then bowled out for 92 as the home side claimed a very comprehensive victory.
After the sensational victory, it was clear to see just how much their innings meant to them both.
George said: “When I went in I knew that we needed a partnership so me and Lammers battled really hard that first hour and then, as the day went on, it got a bit easier, so I tried to make the most of it. To be able to come to the wicket and score runs when the team needs it is always a good feeling.
“It was always going to be challenging when they look the new ball, so we tried to see off the first hour or so.
“I think what Somerset have done so well since I’ve been around is to bring their own players through, back them, play them and put them in tricky situations where you can see the best of them. People can win games for Somerset who have come through the Academy which is great.
“If you mix that with high class overseas players then you’ve got a serious blend. We want to win every game. When you’re in a position like we were on the first day it made it all the more important just to stick in there, and as a team we came back really well, especially Matt Henry and Craig with the ball. It was first class and we just stuck in there and got the win which was huge for us.
“That has to rank as one of my best innings. I wanted it really badly and I’m really pleased. Hopefully, I can build on it and keep trying to have a successful year.”
James, who surpassed his previous best of 118, was equally delighted. “It was great to have a home win,” he said. “To go past my career best during my innings was very special to me. George’s was a special knock and it wasn’t an easy pitch to bat on, but he went out there and put the pressure back on the bowlers which was a big turning point in the game.
“To be a part of a winning team makes that one of my favourite innings so far. It’s so special and I just love this team. It’s such a good group to be a part of and the atmosphere at the moment is just unbelievable. The Club is in a great place and hopefully this has given us some good momentum for the rest of the season. We need to build on that result and get a couple more victories in the Championship.”
