The year 2025 will be etched in Somerset County Cricket Club’s history as a definitive showcase of their dominance in the shortest formats of the game, even as the elusive County Championship title remains just out of reach.
Following a year of near-misses in 2024, the Cidermen roared back with renewed determination to claim their third Vitality Blast trophy. Led by captain Lewis Gregory, Somerset delivered a string of unforgettable performances culminating in a spectacular finals night at Edgbaston. After a nerve-wracking semi-final victory over Lancashire Lightning, the final saw Will Smeed ignite the innings with a breathtaking 94 off 58 balls. Gregory’s calm and decisive unbeaten 18 sealed a six-wicket win with an over to spare, affirming Somerset’s status as the premier T20 side in the country.
“Year in, year out we’re challenging for this trophy. To get over the line in this fashion is mighty special,” Gregory reflected on the triumph.
READ MORE: Restoration of Brunel’s Vision: Portishead Railway Reopening Scheduled for 2026
READ MORE: Somerset’s Defining Political Moments of 2025: A Year in Review
While the T20 glory offered jubilation, the coveted County Championship title remains Somerset’s ultimate ambition. The 2025 campaign showed promise with the team finishing a strong third in Division One, trailing only Nottinghamshire and Surrey. Early in the season, Tom Banton made headlines with a monumental 371 against Worcestershire—the highest individual first-class score in Somerset’s history. However, despite such individual brilliance, the team struggled to convert performances into wins consistently. A crushing late-season loss to Essex ultimately ended their championship aspirations.
Somerset’s prowess extended into the 50-over competition as well, where a largely second-string side reached the semi-finals. After a commanding quarter-final victory over Gloucestershire at Taunton, their journey concluded with a heavy defeat to Worcestershire at New Road. Nevertheless, this run underscored the squad’s impressive depth and boded well for the club’s limited-overs future.
Off the field, Somerset’s bright talent pipeline continues to grow. Brothers James and Thomas Rew earned spots in the England Lions squad for the winter tour of Australia, spotlighting them as future stars. Meanwhile, Will Smeed committed his future to Somerset with a contract extension through 2027 and set his sights on breaking into the red-ball team. Archie Vaughan’s breakthrough season earned him a new deal until 2028, cementing his place in the Championship side.
As 2025 closes on a high note, the club’s leadership remains optimistic. With key players like Craig Overton and Lewis Gregory signing long-term contracts, the foundation is set for continued success. All eyes will be on the 2026 season, with hopes high that Somerset will finally capture the County Championship and hear the much-anticipated Blackbird sing loudly at the Cooper Associates County Ground.