SOMERSET bowler Alfonso Thomas wants to win the Twenty20 Cup on Saturday in Cardiff to thank the Cidermen's loyal fans for sticking by the side through thick and thin, writes Richard Walsh.

For the last three years the Cidermen have won through to the final, only to miss out at the last hurdle, but this year Thomas, who has become a very firm favourite with the County Ground regulars is hoping that the team can go that one stage further.

“Its always good to be involved with the T20 Finals Day because it is the highlight of the season and for this team to have made it four years in a row is definitely a feather in our cap,” he said.

“It shows we are doing something right, and hopefully this year we can go and get across the final hurdle and lift the silverware at the end of the day.

“There have been a lot of challenges put in our way this year, with injuries and international call ups, but the team has just kept on going and they have been fantastic.

“It would be fantastic to be able to repay our supporters with something because they have stuck by through a lot of bad times and hopefully we can put that right and give them something to cheer about on Saturday."

Somerset face Hampshire in the second semi-final on Saturday starting at 2.30pm and if they are successful will face the winners of the Sussex against Yorkshire match in the final which begins at 6.45pm.

All of the action will be shown live on the big screen at the County Ground on Saturday entry to which costs £6.50, with tickets available from the club or by calling 0845-337 1875.

Somerset skipper Marcus Trescothick warmed up for Cardiff by hitting his 50th first-class century in the County Championship match with Sussex at the County Ground. He reached the century yesterday (Wednesday) on day two of the match — just as the Gazette was going to press.

For news of events on Saturday — check out our website at somersetcountygazette.co.uk or see next week’s Gazette.