Vivian Richards was a magnificent cricketer. A fine physical specimen, he was regarded by many as the greatest batsman of his generation. Adored in his homeland – the tiny island of Antigua, with a population not much greater than the town of Taunton – he was also revered in Somerset and feted around the world. His adoptive county was blessed by his commanding presence for … [Read more...] about Legends: Viv Richards
Legends
Legends: Peter Roebuck
Peter Roebuck divided opinion and continues to do so after his untimely death. Many regarded him as an extraordinarily generous philanthropist, while others spoke of a dark side to his character. Some found him an engaging conversationalist while others thought him self-absorbed and venomous. He had friends aplenty, but most of them were inclined to admit that they did not … [Read more...] about Legends: Peter Roebuck
Legends: Ian Botham
What can be said of Ian Botham that has not already been said a thousand times over? He has crammed more adventure into his life than most ordinary mortals could dare to dream of. He has at times had the country gripped by his exploits on and off the pitch, has transcended the sport he adorned and has generated more column inches than any other English cricketer with the … [Read more...] about Legends: Ian Botham
Legends: Geoffrey Clayton (1965-67)
Former Somerset wicket-keeper, Geoff Clayton has died. Known affectionately to teammates as 'Chimp', and famous as much for his cussed personality as for his brilliance behind the stumps, he was a member of the team who appeared in the Gillette Cup Final of 1967. The following tribute is abridged from Somerset Cricketers 1946-1970, by Stephen Hill and Barry … [Read more...] about Legends: Geoffrey Clayton (1965-67)
Legends: Bertie Buse (1929 – 1953)
The following article is an extract from SOMERSET CRICKETERS 1919-1939 by STEPHEN HILL & BARRY PHILLIPS (Published by Halsgrove 2017) He was generally referred to as Bertie. Punctilious, possessed of an air of serenity, and with a run-up that suggested a man carrying a tray of drinks, he was dubbed ‘The Butler’ by John Arlott. In many ways he was a natural successor to a … [Read more...] about Legends: Bertie Buse (1929 – 1953)