AT the halfway mark of the 2023 edition of the Vitality Blast, things could not be much better for Somerset.

The Cidermen remain unbeaten in the competition, six from six, and go into their match against Hampshire Hawks tonight as favourites.

The six wins has given them 12 points on the South league table, so even a defeat this evening away in Hampshire would mean they hold on to top spot.

A win though, would take them another step closer to securing a Finals Day birth. Two more wins would almost guarantee it.

After losing major runs scorer Rilee Roussow this season, many fans thought Somerset might struggle this time round.

However, the additions of Tom Kohler-Cadmore and Matt Henry, plus the top form from Ben Green, Lewis Gregory and many more, has put Somerset in an amazing position.

What is the secret, you may ask? Kohler-Cadmore said it is the togetherness of the group. He said they are mates off the pitch and that is helping the team on the pitch.

“I have never played in a tighter dressing room. There isn’t anyone in it who wouldn’t be happy to perform poorly as an individual, providing the team win," he said.

"The bowlers are setting the tone for us, as are top order batters. Tom Banton and Will Smeed make the job a lot easier for myself and Tom Abell, who follow them.

“The lads are really close, doing a lot of things together away from cricket, and we have so many potential match-winners in the squad.”

He added that the fans play their part: "It is great fun out there. The crowd was awesome and it doesn’t get better than playing here in front of such passionate supporters."

Australian bowler Peter Siddle agreed with what Kohler-Cadmore said.

Siddle said the team all get on well and are working towards a common goal.

“We’ve got a really good and well balanced squad with lost of depth. That’s already showed with the different options that we’ve been able to use with the bowling.

"Lewis has a lot of options at his disposal. We’ve been able to rest guys and bring in someone who is also a top performer."

And speaking on the form of the batsmen, Siddle added: "From a batting point of view, they’re just doing their business and doing what they usually do. It’s been great to see Bants start the season as well as he has, and Tom Kohler-Cadmore has come in and showed people how good he is.”

So, the question is, is Somerset on course for a trophy this season in the Vitality Blast? Possibly. 

Fans can taste the action in Taunton three more times this regular season before the quarter final locations are decided.

Somerset host Surrey on Friday, June 16 at 18:30, Gloucestershire on Friday, June 23 at 18:30, and Kent Spitfires on Sunday, July 2 at 18:30.

Those games are mixed in with another four away matches after the Hampshire game, and then it is on to the finals period.