SOMERSET have a new batting star - Cornishman Carl Gazzard.

The 22-year-old batsman/wicketkeeper scorched his way to 157 for Somerset Sabres in the 114-run victory away to Derbyshire Scorpions in the totesport league last Sunday.

Gazzard's score, from 136 balls with 14 fours and two sixes, was the highest by a Somerset batsman against Derbyshire, the previous best being 105 by Ian Botham in 1982, and helped his side to amass 316-5.

Gazzard said afterwards: "It's my first century for Somerset and I'm really pleased about it. I got to 40 and thought I'll get to 60, then I got there and was determined to get past my prevous top score of 81."