Report: Somerset v Warwickshire, Second XI Championship

George Maddy guided Warwickshire to a thrilling two-wicket Second XI Championship win over Somerset at Taunton Vale. 16-year-old Maddy, who recently made his first team bow for the Bears, scored an un

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2022-09-14T17:49:44.000Z

George Maddy guided Warwickshire to a thrilling two-wicket Second XI Championship win over Somerset at Taunton Vale.

16-year-old Maddy, who recently made his first team bow for the Bears, scored an unbeaten 41 (104 balls) to steer his side to their target of 130 on a turning pitch.

Somerset had totalled only 135 in the first innings, Ryan Sidebottom taking six for 28 and Jake Bethell three for 24, but it turned out to be the highest total of the match.

The Bears replied with 124 (Sinel Gunarathne 30, George Garrett 26 not out) but when the home side reached 45 without loss second time round they were in a strong position. Then the Bears' spinners struck and Somerset spiralled from 45 without loss to 118 all out as Bethell took four for 29 and Jake Lintott four for 30.

A target of 130 was no formality on such a difficult pitch but Chris Benjamin supplied impetus with 29 from 28 balls. The Bears declined to 118 for eight but Maddy batted skilfully to see them home, supported by Garrett who stood firm for a vital nought not out from 12 balls.