SOMERSET will reintroduce under-19 cricket this season, for the first time in ten years. 

In recent years, there has been no age group cricket above the under-17 level, but the decision has now been made to resurrect the under-19 age group.

Steve Snell, Somerset Academy director and Second XI coach said: “This summer we are re-introducing Under 19 cricket in Somerset for the first time for more than 10 seasons.

"We are doing this because it provides another opportunity for young cricketers to play representative cricket and showcase their skills.

“Under-19 cricket is a step up from age group cricket and a great training ground for second XI cricket and beyond.

“This summer we will be playing two three day matches, one of which will be hosted at Taunton Vale, while the other will be played at Bath Cricket Club.

“The sides will be made up of academy youngsters, players who have done well in league cricket and any other youngsters across the south west who have done well.

“I played for Hampshire under-19s back in 2002, when they were beaten by Somerset at Bristol in the final and I know it certainly helped me in my development.”

James Hildreth is another keen advocate of under-19 cricket and was a member of the Somerset team that beat Hampshire 14 years ago.

“From my own experience, I think that it is a great move to bring back the Under 19 age group cricket," he said. 

"I loved it because it provided a stepping stone between junior cricket and the second XI.

“I played for Somerset in the year that we won the Under-19 County Championship Cup in 2002, in a team that included Luke Stokes, Chris Gange, Alistair Garnsworthy, Gareth Andrew and Mike Parsons - who is working in the Somerset Sports shop at the County Ground now, who were all good friends.

“It was a great experience and from there I went onto play for Somerset Seconds and then the First XI so it was good to me, so I’m glad to see it back.”