SOMERSET cricket fans turned out in large numbers to support their predominantly young and local team in the first two home matches of the Metro Bank One Day Cup, writes Richard Walsh.

On Friday, just less than 5,000 turned out to watch the opening game against Warwickshire, which the visitors won by four wickets.

The highlights of the Somerset performance was a fifth wicket partnership  of 96 between two former Academy players - Lewis Goldsworthy and George Bartlett.Goldsworthy, who hails from Cornwall, is still only 22-years-old, and came in to face the fourth ball of the opening over.

He stayed at the crease until the 36th, during which time he had scored 78 from 99 balls.

Bartlett, who is 25 and is from East Coker, scored 74 from 83 deliveries.

For Goldsworthy, who scored 558 runs last season in the championship at an average of just over 37, this was his first senior match of the season, so it was good to see the youngster getting the chance to showcase his skills.

Sunday saw another good sized crowd of more than 4,000 in the ground to watch Somerset take on Worcestershire, who included former Pakistan captain Azhar Ali, who enjoyed three spells at Taunton, in their line  up.

Once again, Somerset batted first and again it was two former academy youngsters who led the way.

Goldsworthy made 47 from 75 balls while James Rew, whom, it is hard to believe, is still only 19, notched up 101, his first one-day century, from 93 deliveries.

When the visitors replied, opening bowler Ned Leonard, who is another academy  graduate and still only 20, accounted for the top two batters, including Azhar Ali whom he bowled for 14.

Overseas signing Curtis Campher, who plays international cricket for Ireland, took three for 51, while Goldsworthy claimed two for 30.

Somerset were in Metro Bank One Day Cup action at Northants on Wednesday but return to home soil to host Sussex today (Friday, August 11) where the match starts at 11 am.

There is an added attraction on Friday because following the cricket The Wurzles will be playing live in the Fans Village, which is situated behind the Marcus Trescothick Pavilion, entry to which is included in the match ticket.

During the course of the evening The Wurzels will be performing ‘Blackbird’, which is the song that the Cidermen sing after a victory out on the pitch, so let’s hope the Somerset team will also be heard giving their rendition of this Westcountry favourite!