SOMERSET are through to the final of the ECB Over 60s county championship after beating Durham and Northumberland earlier this week, and West Somerset cricketers were very much to the fore in this result.

The game was played at Chester-le-Street in Durham which entailed a round trip of more than 650 miles but that didnt seem to dampen the spirits of the Somerset team.

Batting first Somerset Over 60s team which is skippered by Martin Strong who plays his cricket for Watchet in the West Somerset Cricket League, posted 233 for five from their 45 overs. 

This total was built around two impressive innings’ one from opener Andy Sapey who made 84 from 116 balls with seven fours, and the other from Barry Maggs who remained unbeaten on 83 from 73 balls with nine fours and a six the pair sharing a fourth wicket partnership of 161 between them.

When the hosts replied they scored 216 for seven- giving Somerset victory by 17 runs. Chris Brewer who has strong West Somerset connections ended up with the impressive figures of three for 21 from four overs, while Martin Stong claimed one for 57 from eight.

Somerset Over 60s now face Surrey in the final.