Devon Cricket Board - Barton give Somerset run for their money

Barton give Somerset run for their money

BARTON gave Somerset a real run for their money in last night’s Arul Suppiah benefit game at Cricketfield Road.

Somerset batted first and made 135 in the T20 format game – Alfonso Thomas and Craig Overton digging them out of a hole dug by Tom Porter.

Barton seam bowler Porter got out three of the Somerset stars early in the innings – including former England batsman Marcus Trescothick thanks to a tumbling catch by keeper Andy Hele.

Barton had some guests in the side, among them Torquay captain Ben Passenger who claimed the wicket of Somerset’s Lewis Gregory during his two overs.

Somerset entered into the spirit of the occasion by making a game of it after taking some early Barton wickets.

With some enthusiastic hitting from Andrew Kingdon (32), Barton got down to the final over needing 18 to win.

Last man Will Wyatt was dismissed by the final ball trying to hit it for four to win the game.

Around 300 spectators turned up on a damp afternoon to watch the game.

Captain Hele said it was a memorable occasion for all concerned.

“Our lads really enjoyed themselves playing against the professionals – especially Tom Porter,” said Hele.

“It’s not every day you are on a hat-trick against Somerset having just got Marcus Trescothick out first ball!

“The Somerset lads were great and had just the right attitude for the game.

“It was a shame about the weather, but the people who turned up enjoyed the game as much as the players.”

There is another chance to see Somerset in action tomorrow when they drop in at Abbotskerswell for another Suppiah benefit game.

DCB Ltd, University of Exeter Sports Hall, Stocker Road, Exeter, Devon EX4 4QN Company Registration Number: 7024773