It’s always a definitive factor when each and everyone of us associated with sport, make predictions and are then proved wrong, but at the same time there is a certain amount of satisfaction after making such a statement, writes Merv Colenutt.

The particular case in mind is that of Somerset all-rounder Ben Green.

Having predicted at the start of the present cricket season, that Somerset were the best equipped county to win the now downgraded 50 over competition, they still have Glamorgan to overcome of course, but on the basis that despite Somerset losing the majority of their first team players to the Hundred, their strength in depth would be strong enough to take them all the way.

At the same time also believing that Ben Green had the ability to make in all forms of cricket as a batsman, but not as a bowler has proved to be one major prediction that has gone completely wrong, so now it’s certainly been made a case for being reminded of that statement by dozens, including your editor.

Being proved wrong however can have it’s positives and in the case of this brilliant all-rounder, it really is a case of eating humble pie with a smile.

Having spoken to several members over the past week about the 50 over semi-final victory and the build up to the Leicestershire semi-final game on Sunday, former Millfield coach Gerry Wilson did make the point that in the case of Ben Green, he does have in his armoury a very good change of pace and that proves crucial on the very flat track at Taunton.

Wilson also remarked on the fact that the speed of Meredith is hardly likely to help Somerset on such a flat track and the same can be said of Jack Leach who wasn’t likely to get any turn and that proved to be correct and his final remark was to say that once again, Somerset did bowl far too short in the latter stages of the Leicestershire innings, which almost threw the visitors a lifeline.

Gilby Wall was quick to give praise to both Lewis Goldsworthy and James Rew, Wall adding “to my mind Goldsworthy has come on leaps and bounds and now deserves a run at no 4 in the side and as for Rew, he is keeping really well and his cover drives are exquisite and text book, what an outstanding talent he is”.

I do wonder had James Rew been playing for Surrey, would he have been given the same opportunity to play for his country at test match level in front of the recently selected Jamie Smith who to be fair has made that no 7 spot his own, just an observation on behalf of James Rew.

Chris Tinnion however asked the question, “why did the Glamorgan committee allow members to see their game free of charge, whereas Somerset members were forced to pay even £15 just to watch the second innings of the semi-final and the ground was only half full.

Finally I would like to offer my condolences to the family of Ray Windsor who was a stalwart of Bridgwater cricket club during four decades and even represented Somerset on one occasion.

Ray was not only a wonderful true character, but he was a brilliant opening batsmen who never ever saw the bad in anyone and when I saw Ray around two years ago, the laughs , the stories of being in opposition were never ending, almost resulting in  getting an overnight B and B stay in the town.

You come across many good players at club level, but Ray was a true legend and talent in every respect to those who played with and against him, it really was an enormous pleasure to have known the great man.