Cricket Henry hails Somerset after emphatic win over Surrey

SOMERSET continued to hold sway over Surrey, beating their big rivals by five wickets in an entertaining Vitality Blast curtain-raiser at the Cooper Associates Ground, Taunton, on Friday.

- By ANDY STOCKHAUSEN

Looking to avenge their defeat to Somerset in last season's semi-final, the Londoners were on the receiving end of a strong batting and bowling display as the hosts gave their short-format campaign lift-off in front of a raucous sell-out crowd.

Put into bat, Surrey lost wickets at regular intervals and were indebted to Jason Roy, who smashed a brilliant 92 from 54 balls, smiting six fours and seven sixes in a whirlwind knock that served to carry his side to 146-9. Otherwise, Somerset's bowlers called the shots, overseas stars Matt Henry, pictured, and Riley Meredith claiming 3-21 and 3-26, respectively, to keep their rivals in check.

Will Smeed scored 35, with four fours and a six ,and shared in stands of 45 and 44 with Tom Banton and Tom Kohler-Cadmore for the first and second wickets, respectively, while Tom Abell contributed an assured unbeaten 29 and Ben Green a quickfire 23 not out as the home side reached their target with 13 balls to spare.

Henry said: “To start your campaign with a win over Surrey in front of a full-house home crowd is just great.

“The way we started with the ball put them under pressure from the get go, and to restrict a classy side like Surrey to 146 is really pleasing. Our fielding was good as well and we're happy with how we went about our work. We may have lost a few wickets in the middle part of our innings, but overall it was a great chase and the boys executed their skills effectively.