HMS Somerset visits Somerset County Cricket Club

A group from HMS Somerset recently visited Somerset County Cricket Club to strengthen the long standing affiliation between the two organisations.

Having just finished a very busy period of Operational Sea Training, eleven sailors from the Devonport based Type 23 frigate took the opportunity to attend Day 1 of a 4 day match between Somerset and Yorkshire at the Ground in Taunton.

 Five sailors were invited out to the centre of the pitch for the coin toss while a further two, including Somerset born and bred Commanding Officer Commander Tim Berry, rang the bell to start the match.

A huge cricket fan himself, Cdr Berry said "Today has been a great experience and a real privilege for all involved. We've renewed our links with the Cricket Club and with our namesake County all the while raising the profile of the RN in the South West."

HMS Somerset's Physical Trainer LPT Paul Sykes, said, "Today was my first time watching a cricket match and I really enjoyed it. We've been made to feel very welcome by everyone here."

The success of the visit was unfortunately not matched by the home team who, despite a respectable 1^st innings, lost by 3 runs on the final day.

HMS Somerset has since strengthened her affiliations with the county further by visiting her home town port of Avonmouth.