TRACTOR'S TALES.

Well did we or didn't we? That was the question for Somerset supporters after the floodlit twenty20 game at Cardiff last week. Unfortunately, we didn't - gain a point for a tie that is. Cricket headlines explained "Somerset lose tied game" (er, you what?). It seems that if twenty20 scores are tied, then number of wickets fallen come into play - exactly the same as totesport league games except that bit about the wickets fallen.

The very next day, Somerset hosted Worcestershire back at Taunton. Humpty and twin brother Bumpty Dumpty (everyone knows the children's rhyme about Humpty and his twin, don't they?) were seen at the ground. They actually turned out to be giant (alas false) Blackacre Farm eggs, which if any batsman managed to pick out, would mean a £500 charity donation. Hopefully Bumpty has now been reunited with Humpty after being kidnapped that evening (presumably someone put him in their pocket to get past security). The cricket turned out to be the Matt Wood show; after a dodgy Somerset start, he took complete control of what could have been an awkward situation (at 7 for 2), and should have completed a much deserved ton. As it was, he struck an awesome 94 in just 35 deliveries.

Last Monday Glamorgan were our visitors. Blackacre Farm Eggs, Stumpy, Sky Sports, Ali G, the Starsky & Hutch car, and The Wurzels; but then cricket had to interrupt the entertainment! Poor old Glamorgan; one-day division one champions last year, but the words "played", "out", & "totally" come to mind (though not necessarily in that order)! Another Somerset victory (false yawn)!

Then Wednesday, and Somerset made the journey back to Wantage Road, scene of our first and only championship win to date. We managed to get Northants all out for 100 in just 37 overs then, so that means we should be able to limit them to about 54 off 20 overs this time - it does follow like that doesn't it?

Friday saw the resumption of local rivalry between the West Country and South Midlands - Somerset on their travels again this time to Bristle, playing alleged one-time, one-day kings Gloucestershire.

Saturday, Saturday, Saturday (as Reg Dwight once said) we welcome Northants, especially a certain P.S. Jones to Taunton hopefully in a playing capacity this year (without a plastercast on his foot like last year). Watch very carefully when Steff is given out (we're sure to rip through their batting order), as to which dressing room he heads off for!

Next Monday Somerset travel up to Worcester, venue for our massive 34 run victory last year, a repeat performance wouldn't go amiss.

Then Wednesday it's that Glawster lot again, this time back at Taunton for the last of the league stages of this competition. The top 2 of each of the 3 groups, plus the best 2 third-placed teams qualify for the quarter-finals. The 3 top teams plus the best 2nd placed team get home draws. What will we be playing for? First? Second? Best placed 3rd?

On the celebrity birthdays theme, Saturday it's Jerry (ex-Ferry, ex-Jagger) Hall and Imelda (cobblers favourite) Marcos' birthdays. Next Wednesday, it's Jennifer (one half of French & Saunders) Saunders, George W (son of George H W who celebrated his birthday on the Sunday at the Bath festival earlier) Bush, and let's not forget Burt (holy slogfest cricket, Batman) Ward, now a 60 year old Robin!

Get Jiggy with it (dunno what that entails, but it just sounds a bit twenty20, so do it anyway) ...

COME ON SOMERSET!!!