Somerset cricket legends return to Sidmouth for 150th anniversary match
The Somerset legends team, led by chief executive Jamie Cox, included five members of the team that he led at Lord's to win the Cheltenham and Gloucester Trophy at Lord's in 2001: Andy Caddick, Mike Burns, Keith Parsons, and Steffan Jones.
The team also included three current members of the Somerset Women's team: Chloe Skelton, Sophie Luff, and Jess Hazell, who kept wicket, as well as James Hildreth, Pete Trego, and Mike Parsons.
Batting first against a Men and Women's Sidmouth XI, the Somerset side opened with Burns and Caddick, who put on 17 before Caddick was out in the fourth over for eight.
Burns was joined by Trego, who upped the tempo immediately and hit the first six of the evening.
In response, Burns hit his first six, but it was Trego who lit up the evening with his big-hitting antics, peppering the Belmont Hotel boundary wall and even blasting one into the sea!
The pair added 70 together when Burns was out for 23.
Trego was joined by Hildreth, and both showed that they had lost none of their prowess with the bat.
Trego went to his half-century with a big six and immediately retired, his 55 coming from 29 balls with three fours and six sixes.
Hildreth also went to his half-century off 29 balls with three fours and five sixes before he retired.
When Cox was joined by Keith Parsons, suddenly it was 2001 again as the pair ran between the wickets and added 31 in three overs.
Skipper Cox remained unbeaten on 24 off 14 balls as Somerset ended on 196-5 from their 20 overs.
When Sidmouth batted, Cox tossed the ball to Jones, another throwback to the 2001 final, and the Welshman duly obliged by having opener Charles Brock sharply caught by 'keeper Hazell.
Josh Patidar and new batter Matt Matravers added 42 in three overs before the opener was caught by Luff off Mike Parsons.
Matravers hit 25 off 11 before Hazell caught him off Trego, after which only Akeem Jordan threatened to spoil the party with 23 before he fell to Keith Parsons.
Appropriately, the final wicket was claimed by Captain Cox, who had Will Murray caught and bowled from his only delivery.
Immediately afterwards, the Somerset CEO addressed the crowd, saying: "It's awesome to have this many people here.
"This club has been around a long time, and as you know, it's our birthday today.
"The club is here because of our people, who are amazing, and I can't thank you enough for coming along and supporting tonight.
"Quite frankly, it's overwhelming to see so many people come and watch a friendly game.
"Thank you to Sidmouth for putting on the night, to everyone for coming and playing, and to my team, many of them my old team mates, and to the three girls - not one of them said no."
He added: "I can't thank you enough for coming along tonight."
This was a unique and special cricketing occasion that was enjoyed by the very large crowd in a warm and relaxing atmosphere against the backdrop of the sea, a perfect way to celebrate Somerset's 150th birthday!
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