Somerset captain Lewis Goldsworthy delivered a commanding performance with his third List A century, steering his team to a dominant 125-run victory against Warwickshire at the Cooper Associates County Ground, Taunton. This marked Somerset’s second win in just three days in the Metro Bank One-Day Cup, elevating them to the top of their group.
The visitors won the toss and chose to field first, but Somerset quickly set a formidable target, finishing on 337 for eight. Goldsworthy starred with an authoritative 103 off 90 balls, including seven boundaries and two sixes. He was ably supported by Tom Lammonby, who scored a fluent 85, and Josh Thomas, who contributed a brisk 50. Warwickshire’s Jake Lintott impressed with the ball, taking three wickets for 69 runs.
Chasing a challenging total, Warwickshire struggled in response and were bowled out for 212. Lintott top-scored with 52, while Kai Smith added 44 points. Young seamer James Theedom, only 19 and making just his third List A appearance, was the pick of the bowlers with four wickets for 54 runs.
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Somerset’s innings began on a shaky note when opener Archie Vaughan was dismissed in the opening over by Ethan Bamber. Despite disciplined bowling from Bamber and Oli Hannon-Dalby on the used pitch, Somerset reached only 31 for one at the end of the ten-over powerplay due to the challenge posed by a short boundary on the town side.
Savin Perera and Lammonby then stabilised the innings with a 70-run partnership before Perera was dismissed for 39, lbw trying to sweep Rob Yates’ off-spin. Lammonby continued his excellent form, reaching his third fifty in as many games this season.
Goldsworthy was patient in the early stages but then accelerated alongside Lammonby, sharing a 102-run partnership in under 17 overs. The partnership ended with Lammonby’s run out while attempting a risky second run. Thomas then took the attack to the Warwickshire bowlers, reaching his half-century swiftly before being caught at long-on.
Goldsworthy reached his century with a six off 16-year-old debutant Charlie Taylor, who bowled ten challenging overs for Warwickshire. Shortly after, Goldsworthy was stumped off Lintott, triggering a late collapse in Somerset’s batting but still leaving an imposing target.
Warwickshire’s reply was troubled from the start. On the fourth ball, Vannsh Jani’s bat broke, severely hampering his ability to play. He was dismissed cheaply after a run out involving a sharp direct hit from Lammonby. Following a series of wickets-including runs out and catches-Warwickshire’s innings faltered.
Despite valiant efforts from Smith and Lintott, who was dropped twice before reaching his half-century, Warwickshire was unable to mount a significant challenge. The key moment came with Lintott’s dismissal caught by Langridge off Theedom, confirming Somerset’s comprehensive win.
Reflecting on the victory, Somerset captain Lewis Goldsworthy said, “We are getting great crowds for 50-over cricket and it’s always a pleasure to score runs in front of our home supporters. The pitch behaved differently this time with more variable bounce and early swing. Being put in under those conditions, I felt reaching 337 was a good effort. Batting alongside Tom Lammonby, who has been in fantastic form, made it easier.”
He added, “It’s tough bowling with such a short boundary, but I tried to set fields accordingly and not let it affect our approach. I’m enjoying the responsibility of captaincy-even when I’m not leading, I’m always thinking about the game. The shouting is what I need to get used to!”
Warwickshire skipper Rob Yates acknowledged the challenging day for his side, saying, “It was a disappointing day. With a good pitch, short boundary, and strong wind, it was a very chasable total. It’s an honour to captain the side, even as stand-in, and I look forward to learning more about the role.”
He also praised young debutant Charlie Taylor, stating, “He didn’t look out of place at all. Despite the challenge of bowling with a short boundary, he showed great skill and composure. He’s a really exciting prospect for the future.”