SOMERSET will effectively seal a return to the LV Championship top flight if they defeat Glamorgan at the County Ground in a match starting today (Thursday, 11am).

With three matches left, the Cidermen are top of Division Two, 23.5 points clear of Notts and a massive 61 ahead of third-placed Essex.

Looking ahead to the game, Ian Blackwell said: "We have identified Glamorgan as a team we can beat, so let's just hope that weather gives us the opportunity and is kinder than it was when we met over in Cardiff a couple of weeks ago.

"Things are hotting up at the top of the Division Two table so if we can get a victory over them it could seal our championship fate earlier than expected."

Meanwhile, the club's chief executive Richard Gould has confirmed Sam Spurway is the only player being released by Somerset at the end of the season (see page 157).

The rest of the staff are either still contracted or will be offered new terms.

SOMERSET play Middlesex in the final of the 50-over 2nd XI Trophy at the County Ground on Monday (10.45am). Entry is free.

DENNIS Silk will be talking about his life in cricket in the County Ground's Colin Atkinson Pavilion tomorrow night (Friday 7.15pm). The night is being held in aid of the Somerset Cricket Museum. Tickets, which cost £5, are available on the night.