The year 2025 will be etched in Somerset County Cricket Club’s history as the season they truly dominated the shortest format of the game, even as the coveted County Championship title continued to evade them.
Marking their 150th anniversary, the Cidermen delighted their passionate Taunton supporters with glittering success in the Vitality Blast. Building on the heartbreak of 2024’s near miss, Lewis Gregory’s side reclaimed their crown, seizing their third Vitality Blast trophy. It was a fifth consecutive finals day appearance and a third straight final, underscoring Somerset’s explosive consistency.
The thrilling final saw Somerset chase a daunting 195 runs—a record for a finals day. Will Smeed rose to the occasion spectacularly, blasting 94 runs off just 58 balls. Captain Lewis Gregory kept his cool under pressure, finishing unbeaten with 18 runs as Somerset triumphed by six wickets with an over to spare. “Year in, year out we’re challenging for this trophy. To get over the line in this fashion is mighty special,” Gregory reflected.
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Despite this white-ball dominance, the County Championship remained the elusive “holy grail.” Somerset’s 2025 campaign was competitive, finishing a respectable third in Division One behind Nottinghamshire and Surrey. The season kicked off on a high note when Tom Banton smashed a club-record 371 against Worcestershire. However, key moments slipped away, including a crucial late-season loss to Essex that ultimately ended their title challenge.
Somerset also showcased their depth in the 50-over format, progressing to the semi-finals even while missing a large contingent of players due to The Hundred. After a commanding quarter-final win over Gloucestershire at Taunton, their journey concluded with a heavy defeat to Worcestershire at New Road. Still, the performance underscored the strength and future promise of Somerset’s limited-overs squad.
Highlighting the club’s emerging talent, brothers James and Thomas Rew earned spots on the England Lions’ winter tour of Australia, affirming their status as England’s brightest prospects. Meanwhile, Will Smeed extended his contract until 2027, aiming to break into the red-ball side, and Archie Vaughan secured a new deal until 2028 after becoming a Championship regular.
As 2025 bows out with T20 glory, Somerset’s leadership is resolute, with Craig Overton and Lewis Gregory signing new long-term contracts. The loyal faithful will be hoping that 2026 brings the breakthrough: the first County Championship title at the Cooper Associates County Ground. The Blackbird is ready to sing louder than ever.