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“I couldn’t be prouder” – Paul praises the squad ahead of the final
Somerset take on Glamorgan in the final of the Metro Bank One Day Cup on Sunday.
The person who has overseen Somerset’s route to the final is Metro Bank One Day Cup Head Coach, Paul Tweddle.
However, he is quick to shift the praise onto the players.
“I’m ecstatic for the lads who have been involved because I think that they deserve the opportunity,” he said. “They’ve played some really good cricket and it’s been nice to be able to have seen them grow with the competition over a few years. Now it’s great to be in a position where we have the opportunity to win it.
“It’s been amazing to see the growth in the individuals, and being able to largely keep the squad together through that time and watch their development has been brilliant.
“Most of the guys who are playing in the competition, people like James Rew, George Thomas and Alfie Ogborne, all made their Somerset debuts in this competition.
“We’ve got a very close-knit group because they’ve grown up and played a lot of their cricket together across several years, so they’re really close and have grown together more as they’ve played.”
Several youngsters have made the headlines this summer, but as Paul explains the senior players have also been crucial.
“To have someone like Jack Leach come into the side and fit in so well and add what he does to the group has been amazing,” he said. “Having the likes of Jack, Sean Dickson and Josh Davey available has been huge for the lads. It’s great for them to have that level of support and to play alongside them.”
What does it mean to Paul to have got through to the final?
“I couldn’t be prouder that we have gone on this journey together. The staff who have been involved have been amazing and have offered so much support over the last few years.
“As a coach you hang your hat on developing people, developing players and getting them better. Getting to a final is an example of their development over a number of years.
“I feel a huge amount of pride to have been able to take this group on their journey and to now be in with a chance of winning some silverware.
“This is only the start of it for these guys because they’re hungry for First Team cricket. They want to play as much as they can, so it’s largely just the start of their careers.
“Over the next few years the 50-over side will continue to grow and by adding in new players, hopefully we will be able to keep the strength that we currently have in the side.”
