SOMERSET’S injured cricketers have been getting back to fitness thanks to the Royal Marines.

Bowlers Alfonso Thomas, Craig Overton and Jack Leach have got back to running again over the past months at the 40 Commando rehabilitation facility at Norton Manor Camp.

The club’s lead physiotherapist Jamie Thorpe said: “We’ve been fortunate enough to use their Alter G running machine, which is a treadmill that uses an air system to reduce the amount of weight that is exerted on the player as they run.”

He added: “I have no doubt that we will maintain this strong link and plan to do something in return to help them in the future.

“I think that our link with 40 Commando RM could be very valuable next year when we look to plan some strength sessions for the lads, when maybe a trip to the marine base could be in the pipe line.”

Sgt Tom Miller, from 40 Commando, said: “It’s great to have professional sports teams like Exeter Chiefs Rugby and Somerset County Cricket Club utilizing the facility as it gives us an opportunity to see how they use the equipment and see the programmes implemented by the respective medical teams.”