SOMERSET Women rounded off their Vitality Blast campaign with two disappointing defeats - firstly at the hands of The Blaze and then against Essex at Taunton 48 hours later.

These results brought to an end any hopes that Somerset had of reaching Finals Day at The Oval on Friday.

Against The Blaze at Trent Bridge after choosing to bat first the visitors were limited to 118 for 8 from their 20 overs, of which Charlie Dean hit 41 from 32 balls, a total which the home side reached for the loss of three wickets in 14.2 overs, Dean taking 3 for 24.

On Sunday against Essex at Taunton the visitors opted to bat first and posted 163 for 9 from their overs, of which Liberty Heap top scored with 37, while skipper Grace Scrivens made 32.

The pick of the Somerset bowlers was again England international Dean who claimed 3 for 36 from her four overs.

In reply the hosts were bowled out for 122 off the last ball of the 20 overs, Jess Hazell top scoring with an unbeaten 37.

Somerset captain Sophie Luff. who has been one of the top scorers in the Blast this year, said: “This isn’t how we wanted to end the competition; we have improved so much as a team this year. With two games to go we were in with a chance of qualifying for Finals Day, which goes to show how much we have kicked on as a group.

“We haven’t finished well enough today and we are bitterly disappointed up in the dressing room.”

The skipper added: “There’s a chance to regroup now, and come back in August to play some 50 over cricket , and we are still very much in the County Cup as well.”