A BATTLING innings from Somerset Second’s 17 year old captain Thomas Rew saved a young side from defeat in their three day friendly against Middlesex at Taunton Vale.
After being to put in Somerset openers Andy Umeed and Josh Thomas added 89 before Umeed was out for 42. Lewis Goldsworthy then joined Thomas and together they saw up three figure and took the total onto 123 when the other opener was out for 55.
Goldsworthy took his score onto 33 before he was out, making Somerset 152/6. Ishaan Kaushal then claimed the rest of the wickets as Somerset tumbled to 162 all out, the bowler ending with 7/44 from 14 overs.
When Middlesex replied they posted 391/6 declared, with left arm seamer JT Langridge claiming 3/75 from 15 overs, while Joe Heywood took 2/68.
Batting again 229 in arrears Thomas was out for 11 before Umeed and Goldsworthy took the total onto 90 when the latter was out for 35. Umeed took his score onto 62 when he, too, was dismissed, his runs coming from 71 deliveries.
With the scoreboard showing 120/5 in the 28th over Rew was joined by another Academy youngster Kian Roberts and together they added 36 runs before the latter went for a patient 14 off 44 balls. Oscar Coleman, another 17 year old Academician, then came to the middle and remained there for 18 overs during which he scored 29 before being out for 26 having added 56 for the seventh wicket and taking the score to 212.
Rew carried on batting resolutely and went to his 50 off 164 balls with six 4s and along with Heywood remained in the middle for just over eight more overs to see his side to 229 for 7 in 70 overs and safety. The young captain ended unbeaten on 61.