Josh Thomas delivered a stellar performance, hitting an unbeaten 97—his best in List A cricket—to help Somerset secure their first win of the Metro Bank One-Day Cup season with a 35-run triumph over Gloucestershire at Taunton’s Cooper Associates County Ground.
After losing the toss, Somerset posted an imposing total of 352 for seven, powered by Thomas’s run-a-ball 97*, Tom Lammonby’s 83, and Archie Vaughan’s 69. Thomas’s innings featured nine fours and four sixes, showcasing a determined and aggressive approach.
Gloucestershire fought back valiantly, scoring 317 all out. Graeme van Buuren was the top scorer with a resilient 96*, partnering with Daaryoush Ahmed in an impressive 110-run eighth-wicket stand. Ahmed contributed a spirited 52, while Miles Hammond added a steady 50. Despite the valiant effort, Gloucestershire fell short.
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Somerset’s innings began strongly as Vaughan and Savin Perera put up a 69-run opening partnership. Vaughan’s measured 75-ball half-century included nine fours before he fell at mid-on to Jack Taylor’s leg-spin. Lammonby’s brisk 69-ball knock with ten fours and a six helped consolidate the innings alongside Johnny Connell’s quick 33.
In Gloucestershire’s innings, Cameron Bancroft was dismissed for a duck early by JT Langridge, while James Bracey made a quick 32 before being caught behind. Gloucestershire’s middle order showed promise with Hammond and Taylor putting together an 81-run partnership, but both fell in quick succession. Key moments included Thomas’s direct hit run-out of Joe Eckland, which further dented Gloucestershire’s chances.
Van Buuren and Ahmed staged a late fightback with their counter-attacking partnership, fueling hopes of chasing down the total. However, successive wickets from Josh Shaw and tight bowling closed out the innings, securing a memorable win for Somerset.
Reflecting on his innings, Thomas said, “It was a good day for me and the team. The short boundary really helped, and while it was frustrating to miss out on a hundred, the win was the priority. We’re feeling strong despite losing players to The Hundred and are confident moving forward.”
Van Buuren acknowledged the challenge, saying, “The conditions favored high scoring, and while we put up a fight with bat and ball, Somerset executed better. Ahmed’s innings was crucial, and in 50-over cricket, you’re never out of it. We’ll regroup and focus on the next game.”
This well-fought match showcased exceptional individual performances and promising talent as Somerset looks to build momentum in the competition.