DAN Hodges Day, hosted by Somerset Disabled Cricket Club in memory of their former coach who died earlier this year, proved a huge success.

The day, sponsored by Somerset County Sports and held at Taunton Deane, was supported by a number of Somerset CCC players, and involved two Twenty20 matches.

The first was between the Somerset Dragons, the SDCC youth and development side and Huish and Langport Colts, while the second was a game between the SDCC First XI and a team of Somerset All Stars.

In damp conditions, walking out to music provided by Matt Sainsbury (aka DJ Ginge), Somerset Dragons took on a youth team from Dan Hodges’ home town of Langport. The Dragons, captained by Paul Lewis batted first and the talented Tom Froome (43) set about the Langport attack. With contributions from Adam Snow, James Mayled and Ben Hallows, the Dragons posted 100 from their 20 overs.

In reply, although Langport got off to a good start thanks to Sadie Male and Georgie Dimore-Miles, a stunning catch from Mike Contreras broke up the partnership and eventually the visitors reached 73-6.

In the second game the Somerset Allstars captained by Charlie Crossley asked the Somerset Disabled XI to field.

Former Somerset wicket-keeper Carl Gazzard got the innings off to a flying start with 55 after which Somerset player Jack Leach with 19, and Deane cricketer Stephen Jenkins (22) saw the Allstars to 113 off their 20 overs.

The pick of the SDCC bowlers were Jon Tucker with 3-19 and England international Peter Buchanan with one 1-12.

In reply Peter Buchanan (9) and Kieron Cosens (21) got Somerset off to a good start, but the Allstars took wickets at regular intervals with Duncan Hodges, Dan’s son, taking a stunning catch off the bowling of Somerset’s Jack Leach, which saw the Somerset Disabled CC end on 95-9.

Julian Bellew the SDCC secretary, who was one of the main organisers of the event said: “This was a wonderful day of cricket and was enjoyed by many people who attended the event.”

“Somerset’s Marcus Trescothick and Max Waller gave many younger players an afternoon to remember by signing autographs, batting against the youngsters and joining in the spirit of the day, and Jack Leach and Carl Gazzard played in the match so we are very grateful to them all .”

Bellew gave special thanks to those who had helped to make the day such a success: “Without the help of many of the parents and families who ran the BBQ, made the most amazing cream teas, sold raffle tickets or provided the music the day would not have been possible.

“Dan loved cricket and we all loved him dearly and I think that this was a fitting tribute to the legacy of cricket he has left in Somerset.”

The day raised a total of nearly £1,100 for the SDCC that will support the club in continuing developing cricket Somerset in particular with its programme in special schools and also for adults with learning disabilities.