Cider boys' superb summer

Cox and Caddick enjoyed Somerset's best season

For Somerset this was, quite simply, the best season in their history.

True, they won two trophies in 1979, but they have never before finished as high as second in the championship.

That, combined with the C&G Trophy win, enabled Jamie Cox's team to more than match in terms of achievement the great side of Richards, Garner and Botham.

They were one of the strongest all-round teams in the country, despite the absence of two of their best players for most of the season.

Andy Caddick was available for only two championship matches although his 18 wickets ensured that Somerset won them both.

Marcus Trescothick's role was less influential. He played in three games, scoring 216 runs in four innings.

Both had more involvement in their one-day success but Somerset were able to compensate for their unavailability through a strong, all-round team effort, supported by shrewd close-season signings.

  Final analysis

County Championship D1: 2nd

NUL D1: 4th

B&H Cup: QF

C&G Trophy: Winners

Player of the season: Richard Johnson

Richard Johnson was brought in specifically as cover for Caddick and he was the pick of the pace bowlers, finishing with 62 wickets and earning a call-up to the England Test squad.

Keith Dutch's arrival was less celebrated, but he produced some of the best cricket of his career.

His match-winning innings of 60 not out against Warwickshire in the semi-finals of the C&G Trophy was his highest one-day score and he took six for 40 to help his side to a vital win over Northamptonshire in Norwich Union League when Somerset were battling to avoid relegation.

His also contributed to Somerset's championship challenge, taking 35 wickets and averaging 29.44.

His arrival increased competition for places and the talented Ian Blackwell found himself initially out of the side.

blackwell was signed from Derbyshire in 2000 as a spinner who could bat. Now he has developed into a batsman who can bowl some spin.

Eventually, given his chance, he scored four centuries and was unlucky not to be chosen for England's one-day squad. His time may still come.

Johnson's efforts earned an England call-up

Blackwell led the averages in a largely consistent batting line-up. Piran Holloway struggled and he was left out of the side in the latter part of the season.

Jamie Cox scored only one century but averaged 57.43 and it is hoped he will return in 2002 for his fourth season as captain.

He provides stability and continuity and has been a vital ingredient in Somerset's improvement in recent seasons.

Peter Bowler, Rob Turner and Steffan Jones provided solid support while Mark Lathwell showed glimpses of his talent with eight fifties interspersed with several low scores.

It was a frustrating season for some. The talented but unpredictable young, all-rounder Peter Trego could not win a regular place in the side and Matthew Bulbeck was restricted to five matches following his return from a serious back injury.

He took only four wickets, demonstrating the difficulties faced by bowlers in re-establishing their rhythm and match fitness after long lay-offs.

He is talented, however, and needs to be given time.