SOMERSET CCC beneficiary Keith Parsons has got his sights firmly set on playing regular first team cricket in 2004 (writes Richard Walsh).

Last year Parsons' appearances were largely confined to playing one-day cricket but this year he has other ideas.

"Last year the one-dayers went well for me but this season I shall be hoping to force my way back into the championship side by playing so well in the other competitions that it will be difficult for the selectors to leave me out." the all rounder told me earlier this week.

In addition to his playing commitments the Taunton-born player, who has been awarded a thoroughly deserved benefit by the club, is going to be very busy in 2004 helping his committee with various fund raising events.

The first event in Keith Parsons' year is the Launch Lunch to be held in the Colin Atkinson Pavilion at the County Ground on Friday, February 6 for which there has been so much interest that it has almost been sold out already.

Golf Days have been arranged to take place at Teignmouth Golf Club on March 4 and at Taunton Vale Golf Club on May 15 and a House of Commons Lunch has been booked for May 17.

The beneficiary told me: "It's been pretty hectic with one thing and another and at the moment we are trying to put the finishing touches to my brochure that will be ready for the start of the season."

He continued: "The benefit ties have also gone very well and already we have had to order some more which is very pleasing indeed, so things have got off to a good start for me.

"It is a very exciting time for me and I'm just hoping that everybody will get behind me and support me in my year in the same way that they have done over the years that I have played for Somerset and with Ricky Ponting coming to join us we will be looking to get off to a flying start in 2004," he concluded.