BACK ON THE BLACKTHORN ... After having to make do with other liquid refreshments on the road, Tractor is relieved to be back on home turf.

Since the drawn 4-day match against Essex at Taunton a month ago, we've travelled afar, to Worcester, Lord's, Swansea, Hove, Bath, and last week to the concrete-esque, brick-tacular Rose Bowl.

Excluding Bath, this has involved a lot of travelling without the thirst-quenching qualities of Blackthorn, instead having to try to make the numbers up with Worthingtons, Fosters, Spitfire, and John Smiths Smoothy Creamy Milky flow (or some such beverage).

There were mixed fortunes at Bath, finishing second to a Lashings team, then Notts in the county championship. But the combination of a new hat, news that new ray-ban specs are on their way, and the 'resumption of consumption' of Blackthorn, ensured Somerset claimed a well-earned tsl victory in a close finish against Leicestershire on the Sunday.

Subsequently, there weren't many reasons to be cheerful at the Southampton Rose Bowl. I thought I heard the problem there was all down to Ian Dury, alas it was all down to injury: Johnno and Keith Parsons could hardly move let alone bat or bowl from day 2, so despite spirited efforts, we finished second. That said I'm unsure whether the umpires should have allowed the use of Robin Smith's hairdryer on the wicket, just on a length, following a downpour at lunch on the last day. I would have asked the blonde umpire Roy Palmer (yes, blonde!), but someone bought me another pint so I forgot all about it.

At last we're back in Taunton. Today it's the return of Durham, fortunate winners by just 1 wicket in that unbelievable 4-day game here six weeks ago, but unlucky tsl losers to a very strong Scottish side last Sunday. My sources tell me they're without Ian Botham (SKY TV commitments), Dean Jones (returned to his native Wales) and David Boon (gone off fighting at The Alamo, or was that Daniel?), while we have to do without our internationals Marcus & Blackie (good luck in the 3-sided oblong tournament lads). Last Saturday, Marcus captained a victorious England team (which included Somerset's Ian Blackwell) across the border to Cardiff for a warm-up game against Wales (which included our recently departed Steffan Jones). This 3 match series has now been comprehensively won by England 2-1.

Today's game is classed as Keith Parsons' benefit match, so get out all those old unwanted coppers, silver, pound coins, fivers, tenners and twenties and shove 'em in one of the buckets which will no doubt wend their way around the ground at some point today ...and kids, just in case you spot it, do not be alarmed - that is NOT a wardrobe monster but the Somerset mascot 'Stumpy'.

The local lad Rickaaaay Ponting was due to make his debut for the Somerset first team at the next home tsl fixture against Worcestershire Sun 18th July, but since they have a C&G trophy match that weekend, the match has had to be postponed. A real shame this as I thought the lad deserved his chance, but he'll just have to wait and see if he can get in the side another time.

Today's lucky number: 1; lucky colour: maroon; lucky sandal: 'Tide - the leather-wrapped polyurethane footbed, handles shock and moisture while the EVA midsole reduces the lift load' - the ideal sandal for watching cricket!

Bert the seagull is a bit confused since they've renamed his favourite restaurant from 'The Council Tip' to 'Civic Amenity Site'. Hopefully he'll return later.

Now, sit back in your lucky lightweight folding chair, and think strong, positive, encouraging thoughts - maybe even yell a few.

COME ON SOMERSET!!!