Sadly there was no icing on the cake for Somerset C.C.C. this season as all 3 trophies slipped through their net, but let’s not forget that our county side did us proud throughout a quite memorable summer, writes Merv Colenutt.

Every cricket lover will have their opinions on how the club had performed since April, but things only went wrong in the final two weeks of September.

Arguably replacing Matt Henry with a world class replacement was always going to prove difficult, but with Riley Meridith, that proved to be an excellent signing, but signing world class bowlers for a season is a thing of the past and in Somerset’s final league defeat of the season, my belief was always going to be that with Muhammed Annas and Kyle Abbot leading the Hampshire attack, Somerset were always going to be second best, especially with Hampshire ending the season with a winning flourish in the red ball game.

Kyle Abbot has been a thorn in the side of Somerset for the last decade and this final game was no exception as he picked up match figures of 9 for 74.

Also in the batting department, James Vince and all rounder Liam Dawson are proven international players, but overall and with a young and improving squad, I still feel that Somerset have the experienced proven players and depth with so many talented youngsters, to once again challenge for honours in the 2025 season.

Yes there is every chance that Somerset might need to recruit, the obvious ones that stand out at present are an opening international bowler once again as well as an opening bat.

So having been out and about at the games, I have asked a few of the members, who they believe can take the club to that next level, whether it’s an established couple of players, or those who have come through the academy.

For several years now, I have believed that both Tom Abell and Tom Banton are good enough to step up to the next level, so now to my mind James Rew has to come into the equation.

Rew had an exceptional first season as a teenager being an outstanding wicket keeper who scored over 1000 runs a phenomenal feat, so to follow up this season and almost do the same, is truly amazing.

I have also been impressed with Archie Vaughan, what an impact he has made, a tall off spin bowler who varies his pace and for such a young prospect gets a fair amount of turn, but I do also believe he has the makings of becoming a fine opening batsmen, especially against the red ball,

Once again, his hallmarks are in the fact, he stands tall, plays the ball late, keeps his head above the eyeline of the ball and remains well balanced when he pushes out his left foot to meet the ball following the pitched up delivery, but again remains well balanced when facing a short pitched ball.

So who do other members believe will only go on improving, whether they are established or coming through the ranks.

Gilbert Wall puts his faith in Tom Lammonby and Alfie Ogborne, Gerry Wilson believes that both Lewis Goldsworthy and George Thomas if given their chances will thrive and only get better and Chris Tinnion believes that both Tom Abell and Lewis Gregory also have that ability to move up to the next level and go on improving.

It’s an interesting scenario and no doubt so many other members will have their opinions, but I still believe the future still looks very bright for Somerset C.C.C. in 2025.