SOMERSET have roared back to the top of the Vitality Blast South Group with two resounding victories - against Hampshire and Middlesex.

After five rounds of matches in defence of the title they lifted last summer at Edgbaston the Cidermen have accrued six points from their three victories. 

After a disappointing loss away against Kent last Friday evening where a below par bowling performance and a brilliant innings for 106 from 58 balls from Sam Billings allowed the hosts to surpass the Somerset total of 197 for six with four balls to spare. 

Two days later Lewis Gregory’s men returned home to face Hampshire and being put into bat amassed 241 for five from their allotted overs which was based upon an unbeaten 96 by Tom Abell which came off 47 balls and included 12 fours and three sixes. 

During his innings the 30 year old, who stepped down from the captaincy over the winter, showed he is back to his very best and during his time at the crease added 144 for the fourth wicket in just under 12 overs with Sean Dickson who made 65 off 32 balls with nine fours and two sixes. 

When Hampshire replied they were never quite in the hunt and were bowled out for 178 in 19.3 overs, thanks to five for 29 from golden arm Ben Green. Buoyed by their impressive victory Somerset travelled to the home of cricket to face bottom of the table Middlesex who after being put into bat were skittled out for 78 in 16.3 overs. 

The main man doing the damage was Aussie paceman Riley Meredith who claimed four for 12 from his four overs of sheer pace which made him almost unplayable, with good support from Craig Overton, Josh Davey and Green who all took two wickets apiece. 

In reply after losing Will Smeed cheaply Tom Banton and Tom Kohler-Cadmore bludgeoned off the required runs in 12.3 overs, Banton ending unbeaten on 49 and Kohler-Cadmore not out  30. 

This weekend Somerset have two home games in the Vitality Blast. On Friday they are at home to Kent starting at 6.30pm when they will be going all out to maintain their winning sequence and avenge their defeat of the previous week. 

Then on Sunday Somerset are at home to Glamorgan starting at 3pm, and who always bring a large and vociferous  crowd with them which makes for an entertaining match. 

Next Friday,  June 21, Somerset travel to Bristol to face the old enemy Gloucestershire where form often goes out the window as old rivalries are renewed.