My Memories of Taunton: Sophie Luff
The Cooper Associates County Ground is a very special place.
The venue is steeped in history and has played host to some of the greatest names ever to have been involved in the game.
Players and supporters alike speak in glowing terms about the atmosphere and the heritage of Somerset CCC’s home.
Over the course of the winter, we will be speaking to current and former players to discuss their memories of Taunton.
The first player in the hotseat is Somerset Women Captain, Sophie Luff.
What are your first memories of Somerset CCC?
“My first memories are coming along as an eight- or nine-year-old with my family and watching games. The best bit would always be being able to play on the outfield at the lunch interval. I thought that was the coolest thing ever!
“I also vividly remember playing in a Kwik Cricket event on one of these occasions and wearing a T-shirt that was about three times too big!”
Who was playing when you watched your first match and do you remember much about it?
“I don’t really remember the actual games or scores or anything like that, but I remember the players. I loved watching Marcus Trescothick; he was a real hero of mine. James Hildreth was also someone I loved watching bat. His temperament and mentality stood out more than anything.
“When T20 came in, I remember that win with Graeme Smith in the final, and when Justin Langer and Cameron White whacked it and broke various records!”
Who were your favourite players when you were growing up and did you used to collect autographs?
“I used to love roaming the ground and boundary edge as a kid, getting as many autographs as I could on my mini bat.
“Steffan Jones was a favourite, and he later went on to coach me while I was on the Emerging Players Programme as a 13-year-old.
“It was great being able to get so close to the players during the game and they were always so willing to interact. That had such a positive impact on me as a young cricketer, and I try to have that same impact on young fans who come and support us now.”
What do you think makes Somerset CCC so special?
“It’s an unbelievable place to play cricket and we have the best fans and support. That’s what makes this place and club truly special; the people!”
Does it still feel special when you come through the gates here after all these years?
“The drive into the ground is always special, particularly on match days when I get to say hello to the steward on the gate. That small interaction is one of my favourite parts of my day. The Club is part of my DNA and a huge part of my life.”
Did you ever think that you would end up playing here?
“I never thought I’d play a professional game of cricket, let alone at Taunton and as captain of my home club.”
What made you so determined to fulfil that dream?
“I’ve always felt that my work ethic and determination, or some may say stubbornness are my biggest strengths, but my passion for the game is what kept me striving to be the best, even when the game wasn’t professional.
“I’m grateful to the Somerset Cricket Foundation for their support during that time and to individuals at the Club who I begged, borrowed and stole from at times. Matt Drakeley, Steven Snell and Trevor Griffin threw countless balls over many years, and I even remember doing a session with Snelly in the snow when we had the marquee up on the outfield!”
What one piece of advice would you give young fans who want to become the next Sophie Luff?
“There’s no substitute for hard work, but more importantly you need to be open to getting things wrong and making mistakes. As a perfectionist I’ve struggled to navigate failure during my career but you’ll never know how far you can go or how good you can be without pushing the boundaries. Sometimes that means messing up in order to succeed further down the line.”
