Beau Webster delivered a sensational performance, scoring an unbeaten 112 off just 61 balls, to guide Warwickshire to their first win in the Vitality Blast campaign, defeating Somerset by six wickets at Taunton’s Cooper Associates Ground.
Webster’s innings, which included 9 fours and 7 sixes, was central to a commanding 145-run partnership in 12.5 overs with Dan Mousley. Mousley complemented Webster perfectly, remaining undefeated with a rapid 71 from 36 deliveries, as Warwickshire reached the 216-run target with two balls remaining.
Somerset had set a challenging total of 215-4, thanks to Jordan Hermann’s aggressive 90 not out off 48 balls, including 9 fours and 6 sixes. He was well-supported by Lewis Gregory, who struck a quickfire 55 off 26 balls. The two shared a blazing 117-run stand for the third wicket, injecting momentum into Somerset’s innings. However, despite their efforts, Somerset endured their fourth consecutive loss in the Central and West Group.
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Somerset started briskly, accumulating 35 runs from the first 21 balls, but early wickets of Tom Banton and Josh Thomas stalled their progress. Hermann revived the innings with a steady partnership alongside James Rew, before Gregory’s late assault added further impetus. Gregory’s explosive hitting—marked by three sixes and a four in one over—electriced the innings as Somerset set a formidable score.
In response, Warwickshire got a solid start from Rob Yates and Webster, with the latter carrying the innings through under pressure from Somerset’s seamers. Despite challenging wet conditions and a tough bowling attack, Webster dominated the chase. By the halfway mark, Warwickshire were in control, with both Webster and Mousley scoring quickly to keep the run rate above the required level.
Persistent rain and difficult bowling conditions didn’t deter Warwickshire as Webster reached his century off 54 balls. Mousley’s timely half-century off 29 balls ensured the chase remained steady. Somerset tried to rattle Webster with Gregory’s clever bowling, but Mousley’s composure sealed the deal.
Somerset’s bowling coach, Steve Kirby, acknowledged his team’s shortcomings: “The bowlers didn’t quite execute today. We had a plan, but sometimes you lose sight of the target when the batsman is dominating. Beau Webster was well played, and Dan Mousley supported him smartly.”
Warwickshire all-rounder Beau Webster reflected on the innings: “It’s a fast-scoring ground, and we knew it wouldn’t be easy defending that total. When Dan came in, it eased the pressure. I decided to swing hard, and fortunately, it paid off. This win is a nice boost after a tough start to the campaign, and we’ll keep pushing for more.”