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Somerset’s pre-season programme began today with two T20 fixtures against Essex Eagles at the Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi.
It was very much a case of honours even as both sides claimed a victory a piece.
MATCH ONE
Essex Eagles won by four wickets
Essex Eagles won the toss and elected to field.
Somerset openers Sean Dickson and George Thomas shared a stand of 38 before the more experienced man fell for eight, caught by Aron Nijjar off the bowling of Ben Allison. Thomas went on to make 31 from 28 balls.
George Bartlett top scored with 35 from 28 balls and shared a third wicket stand of 49 with James Rew (24). Josh Thomas (18 from 10 balls) also made a useful contribution as Somerset finished on 158 for nine from our 20 overs.
Jamie Porter (three for 26) and Allison (three for 30) were the pick of the Essex bowlers.
In reply, Essex openers Feroze Khushi and Robin Das had taken the score to 16 when the latter was caught by Kasey Aldridge off the bowling of Jack Brooks for six.
Essex slipped to 66 for four as Aldridge, Sonny Baker and and Ben Green all tasted success.
However, Khushi brought up his 50 in the 11th over and shared a 57 run partnership with Josh Rymell (35). He eventually finished unbeaten on 81 from 50 balls as Essex reached their required total for the loss of six wickets with 19 balls to spare.
Aldridge was the pick of the Somerset attack claiming three for 32.
MATCH TWO
Somerset won by five wickets
Somerset won the toss and elected to field.
Essex had reached 32 when Will Buttleman was bowled by Ned Leonard for 19. Leonard then also accounted for Tom Westley to leave Essex on 56 for two.
However, a half century partnership between Khushi and Michael Pepper got the Eagles back on track.
Pepper was eventually dismissed by Alfie Ogborne for 70 as Essex finished on 187 for eight.
George Thomas and Andy Umeed shared an opening stand of 35 before the Scotland International fell for 19. Thomas made 40 from just 18 balls, whilst George Bartlett made an impressive 50 from 29.
Lewis Goldsworthy then smashed 43 as Somerset won with two balls to spare.
