SOMERSET stormed into the final stages of the Metro Bank One Day Cup with two resounding victories in the space of 48 hours, with young guns very much to the fore in both wins.

They beat Worcestershire in front of 3,000 spectators at Taunton on Friday and followed up with an impressive eight wicket victory over Middlesex at Lord’s on Sunday.

On Friday, after being asked to bat, Worcestershire were bowled out for 263 in 47.3 overs, Ben Green taking three for 58. In reply George Thomas went to the first ball of the innings after which Andy Umeed and Lewis Goldsworthy added 95 before Umeed went for 44.

Goldsworthy continued to impress with his batting and looked to be heading for a well deserved century but on 95 off 108 balls he perished having added 116 with James Rew for the third wicket.

Three wickets fell in quick succession before Green with an unbeaten 23 and Archie Vaughan with a List A best of 30 not out saw the hosts home by five wickets with over five overs left.

Somerset went to Lord’s on Sunday knowing that a victory would see them through to the next stage and they made no doubt about the outcome.

ABatting first Middlesex found themselves two for two in the third over after Australian paceman Riley Meredith struck and George Thomas claimed a run out.

Meredith struck again  to  help to reduce the hosts to 48 for five  when a partnership of 46 saw Middlesex onto 96 before the Australian speedster claimed Martin Andersson LBW for 34.

Two further wickets fell in three overs before Middlesex were all out for 135 in 39.3 overs.

Meredith ended with four for 27 from his eight overs while Jack Leach claimed two for 27 from 8.3 overs.

Chasing 136 for victory Somerset lost Thomas for 11 with the total on 24 before Goldsworthy came in and helped the total onto 57 when Umeed was out for 22.

Rew and Goldsworthy then remained in place at the wicket to see Somerset to 138 without further loss in 27 overs, Rew ending unbeaten on 53 offf 43 balls with seven fours and two sixes, while Goldsworthy was not out 41 off 63 deliveries with five fours.

Somerset now look all but certain to host a home semi final on Sunday but will not know for certain until the final group matches are pled on Wednesday.

This is the first time that they have progressed into the final stages of the 50 over competition since they lifted the Royal London Cup in 2019- and much of their success has been down to their home grown youngsters.