Somerset

Somerset have played some exciting cricket this season, but to say that there will be a sense of disappointment at Taunton would be an understatement. Runners up, by the smallest possible margin, in all three forms of the game, silverware was certainly deserved.

Had Trescothick and his men better understood the laws of cricket at the Rose Bowl they would have been able to run out the injured Daniel Christian who had left his ground, despite having a runner and clamied the Twenty20 crown.

Going into the final day of the Championship season the cider men too looked destined to make history and claim the first title in the club's history. A combination of weather, some stiff resistance from Durham and a strong performance from Nottinghamshire however ended the dream.

A days break was followed by a trip to Lord's. On paper Somerset looked by far the stronger side, and with good showings from the top order this appeared a well founded judgement. But the Warwickshire bowlers had great success in bringing the game back into their hands and a rejuvenated and increasingly mature Ian Bell finally sunk the Taunton title hopes with a wonderful century under pressure.

In all fairness all three results are probably more due to bad luck than an under performance. Perhaps by the time of the 40 over final an amount of demoralisation had crept in, but that cannot take away the fact that throughout the season Somerset played excellent, competitive cricket to the very end in all three formats - something which no other side can boast. The club have come a long way in recent years, thanks largely to the foundations laid by former Australian international and captain Justin Langer. With a good squad blending experience and youth there is a good possibility that further successes will follow, hopefully with a trophy to show for the efforts.

Top of the Order - James Hildreth

A fine domestic season in all forms of cricket have finally brought greater recognition for Hildreth, a more than accomplished middle order batsman. A trip to Australia this winter with the England performance squad is surely only the beginning of the international honours that will come to Hildreth, if he is given the chance to compete at the highest level. An astounding seven championship centuries helped him amass 1,440 runs at over 65. As in the limited overs competition Hildreth has guided his side to the brink and proved an invaluable asset in the Somerset middle order.

Best Bowling - Charl Willoughby

A first class specialist this season the South African's left arm pace has delivered 58 victims at 27.27 without any real celebrity in return. He has simply and constantly done exactly what has been required of him, and more and has showed that without doubt his two South African test caps, although bringing only one wicket, were not earned without the exhibition of serious talent.

Rising Star - Jos Buttler

Granted a first XI place when team mate Craig Kieswetter was away with England during the first part of the season Buttler has shown genuine skill. More in the mould of Morgan than Boycott he is perhaps at his best in the limited overs format and is not afraid to work the ball around with great innovation. A first class hundred in over five hundred season runs have, however complemented his wicketkeeping well and shown that he can adapt. An exciting prospect for the future, Taunton may well be providing limited overs keepers to the national side for some time to come.

Star Man - Marcus Trescothick

Since retiring from the England ranks due to an unfortunate illness Marcus Trescothick has gone back to county cricket and made hay. This year has been no exception, despite a slow start. Although Hildreth generated more runs Trescothick's 1,397 at the top of the order including an impressive 228 have shown that the Keynsham born opener still has a real thirst for the game. Batting alone has not been his only contribution this summer. Following on from Langer as skipper was, by no means an easy thing for any player to do. But, leading from the front Trescothick has made great strides in filling those sizable boots. With a good side to lead he will be hoping to get his hands on a trophy next season.