Somerset CCC entertain 1,400 school children during championship match

The Cooper Associates County Ground was a sight to see on Tuesday when Somerset hosted the second of two Schools Days during their championship match against Warwickshire, which concluded on Wednesday afternoon.

Those who attended on Monday were unlucky to encounter rain at the start of their day, which prevented them from being allowed onto the pitch at lunchtime.

However, on Tuesday, almost 1,400 school children from across the South West, as far afield as Mousehole in Cornwall, descended onto the outfield.

The school parties, who sat together in the Trade Nation Stand, cheered every run and wicket.

They created a great atmosphere for the players of both teams.

On both days, the youngsters were treated to some great entertainment.

In addition to watching the cricket, a range of cricket-related activities took place around the ground, which everyone seemed to enjoy.

(Image: Richard Walsh)

However, it was at lunchtime that the schools made the biggest impact.

To watch so many young people out on the field enjoying themselves, taking part in both ad hoc and organised games, and having a thoroughly good time, makes this sort of thing all worthwhile.

So hats off to Somerset for organising such a great event.

By tea time, the Trade Nation Stand was empty and the noise level had decreased by several decibels.

The youngsters departed and returned to their homes back in the South West, taking with them happy memories of what, for many, will have been their first-ever visit to Somerset CCC and, for some, their first-ever cricket match.

Meanwhile, on the pitch, after being put into bat, Warwickshire were reduced to 40 for four on Sunday morning.

However, they recovered to reach 412.

In reply to this, another disappointing batting display saw the Cidermen all out for 284.

The visitors scored 281 for eight in their second innings, leaving Somerset to chase 410 for victory, or bat all day for a draw.

Somerset now take a break from red ball cricket.

Over the course of the next two weeks, they will play the remaining Vitality Blast T20 games.

They will start with a trip to play Essex at Chelmsford on Friday evening.

Then, they will come back to Taunton for the local derby return match against Gloucestershire, at Taunton, on Sunday afternoon.

The game will start at 2.30 pm.

Friday, July 12, they will entertain Surrey, starting at 6.30 pm.

Then, they will travel to Hampshire two days later before hosting Sussex on Thursday, July 18.

They will conclude the group fixtures with an away match against Glamorgan in Cardiff on Friday, July 19.

Currently, Lewis Gregory’s team sit in third place, behind Surrey and Sussex.

Therefore, they will be looking to climb back into the top two, to ensure a home fixture in the quarter finals.