THE next three weeks will define whether or not Somerset have had a successful season in 2023.

After winning 12 of their 14 matches to top the South Group in the Vitality Blast T20, the home ones of which were played in front of packed houses at Taunton, the Cidermen have reached the knock out stages, in which they host Nottinghamshire in the quarter finals tomorrow evening (Fri).

Somerset and Notts seem to have played each other in the latter stages of one day cup competitions on many occasions over the years. Both are strong sides and one can only hope that the momentum the team have derived from their T20 run to date will see them progress the Finals Day at Edgbaston next Saturday, July 15.

If the Cidermen win tomorrow t and, of course, we all hope upon hope that they do, then the next step in proceedings is the scramble for fans to get their tickets, which the cClub will have well in hand .

If on the other hand Somerset fail to reach the finals, given that the One Day Cup takes place when a large number of their senior players are absent at The 100 then their main focus of attention will be the county championship, where they have three key matches before the end of July.

Currently after eight matches, two of which have been won, Tom Abell’s men occupy fifth place with 88 points.

First up starting on Monday, July 10, are Hampshire at home who are in third place and who in recent years have had the better of Somerset in the championship .

On Wednesday, July 19, the Cidermen travel to play bottom of the table Northamptonshire followed by table toppers Surrey at home on Tuesday, the 25th.

Following this there are just three games remaining in the championship in September with the only home one being against Kent.

If Somerset can get a victory in two of the three games this month, not only will they all but be assured of survival in the top flight but they could go into the last month in a position to contend for the Holy Grail.

However, letst not get too far ahead and hope for a win tomorrow and then beat Hampshire in the championship and come out on top at the end of T20 Finals Day- not too much to hope for, is it?