June proved to be another challenging month for Somerset Seniors, with the unpredictable British summer causing disruption across the county. Rain led to several cancellations before soaring temperatures later in the month presented a different challenge. Despite the interruptions, there were plenty of standout performances and impressive victories across the age groups.

50s: First XI Continue Winning Form

The Over 50s 1st XI maintained their excellent season with two convincing victories.

Against the Channel Islands, Somerset posted an imposing 264, built around an excellent 74 from Mark Sage, before dismissing their opponents for just 128 to secure a 136-run victory.

Sage continued his outstanding form in the win over Devon, scoring a superb 117 from just 114 balls as Somerset reached 288 for 7. Opening bowler Jason Squire then set the tone with an outstanding spell of 9-2-26-3, reducing Devon to 46 for 3 before they eventually closed on 171 for 9.

The Over 50s 2nd XI enjoyed a strong start to the month with victory over Devon. Mike Fisher’s magnificent 122 helped Somerset to 252, supported by Jason Squire’s half-century. Squire then demonstrated his all-round ability by taking 3 for 10 from five opening overs as Devon finished just short on 233 for 8.

Narrow defeats followed against Gloucestershire and Cornwall despite disciplined bowling performances from Clive Hamblin and Krishnan Subramanian against Gloucestershire.

The Over 50s 3rd XI were left frustrated after rain altered their fixture. Scott Wright (52) and Ryan Lobb (87) shared a superb 128-run partnership to help Somerset reach 206 for 6, but a revised DLS target ultimately proved too achievable for the opposition.

60s: Mixed Results Across the Squads

The Over 60s 1st XI endured a difficult month despite several excellent individual performances.

Everton Griffith’s 87 helped Somerset post 204 for 6 against Gloucestershire, but the visitors edged home by one wicket with just two balls remaining. Defeats to Devon and Dorset followed despite Simon Hogg claiming four wickets against Devon and Graham Bishop producing consecutive half-centuries.

The month ended on a positive note with a seven-wicket victory away to Cornwall. Captain Martin Strong led by example with three wickets before Bishop’s unbeaten run of form continued with 54 to guide Somerset home comfortably.

The Over 60s 2nd XI enjoyed one of the strongest months of any Somerset side, winning three of their four matches.

Victories over Devon, Gloucestershire and Wiltshire were built on disciplined bowling and confident batting performances. Captain Chris Brewer starred with consecutive five-wicket hauls against Gloucestershire and Wiltshire, while Alistair Barr, Hugh Brooker and David Noyes all contributed important runs at the top of the order.

Cornwall handed Somerset their only defeat of the month, with Noyes’ unbeaten 46 unable to prevent a four-wicket loss.

The Over 60s 3rd XI found results harder to come by, suffering defeats against Oxfordshire and Wales despite Mike Clements scoring a half-century.

However, they finished June in style with an emphatic victory over Berkshire. After Andy Salter claimed three wickets to dismiss the hosts for 179, Clements (108 from 80 balls) and Andy Carson (59 not out) produced a magnificent unbeaten 180-run opening partnership to complete the chase without losing a wicket.

Weather Limits Opportunities for Other Sides

With several fixtures falling victim to the weather, a number of teams managed just a single outing during June.

The Over 60s 4th XI were beaten by Gloucestershire after chasing 220.

The Over 70s 1st XI also suffered defeat despite Brian Hamer’s resilient 41 in Somerset’s total of 193 for 8, with Wiltshire’s opening partnership proving decisive.

The Over 70s 2nd XI, however, demonstrated why they are the reigning champions with an impressive 77-run victory over Wiltshire.

An opening partnership of 127 between Martin Betty (66) and Rick Hutchinson (63) laid the foundations for Somerset’s 236 for 3 before Rick Watkins and Alan Weadon removed the pressure with an excellent opening spell. Martin Veal then wrapped up the innings with figures of 3 for 15 to complete another excellent all-round team performance.

Standout Performers

Several Somerset players enjoyed exceptional months, including:

  • Mark Sage – 191 runs in two innings, including 117 against Devon.
  • Jason Squire – Outstanding all-round performances with a century partnership, a half-century and key wickets.
  • Mike Fisher – Superb 122 for the Over 50s 2nd XI.
  • Chris Brewer – Back-to-back five-wicket hauls for the Over 60s 2nd XI.
  • Mike Clements – An unbeaten 108 and 50 in consecutive matches.
  • Graham Bishop – Two important half-centuries for the Over 60s 1st XI.

Despite the challenging weather, Somerset’s senior sides continued to produce some outstanding cricket, with strong team performances and individual brilliance providing plenty of reasons for optimism heading into July.