JOSH Thomas claimed three wickets and scored 69 runs on his “dream debut” for Somerset against Cornwall at Truro on Sunday to enable the Cidermen to run out the winners by seven wickets in this 50-over contest, writes Richard Walsh.

Thomas, who is only 17 years old and in the lower sixth at King’s College, has enjoyed some good returns for both his club Taunton St Andrews and Somerset Seconds in recent weeks, on the strength of which he was selected for this game.

After being asked to bat first at Boscawen Park, the hosts posted 255 for eight from their 50 overs, which contained 105 from opener Chris Gibson off 137 balls with 14 fours apart from which only Joe Phillips with 23 and an unbeaten 21 offered much resistance.

Thomas, who was the sixth bowler into the attack, ended the pick with three for 46 from his 10 overs, while fellow debutant Jack Harding claimed two for 35 off his eight.

When Somerset replied, they lost new signing Andy Umeed off the last ball of the first over, which saw Thomas walking to the wicket to join seasoned campaigner Steve Davies, who is more than twice the youngster's age.

The pair of them proceeded to dominate the Cornish attack, adding 149 together before Thomas was out for 69 in the 18th over.

Burnham and Highbridge Weekly News: Josh Thomas with Steve Davies in Truro. Picture: Somerset County Cricket ClubJosh Thomas with Steve Davies in Truro. Picture: Somerset County Cricket Club

The local boys runs came off 52 balls and included nine fours and two sixes in a stay of 63 minutes at the wicket.

Davies remained at the wicket for a further four overs to take his score onto 79 off 57 balls, with 12 fours and a six before he was out making Somerset 176 for three.

James Hildreth with an unbeaten 54 and George Bartlett, who was not out 31, then stayed together to see Somerset to victory with 17 overs remaining.

After the match, Thomas said: “It was a dream debut for me to get three wickets and 69 I couldn’t have wished for me.

“I was pretty pleased with the way that I bowled and really chuffed to get three wickets. I didn’t know I was batting at number three until his morning so I didn’t have time to think about it too long. 

“I didn’t expect to be batting so early on but, when I went out there, Steve Davies helped me to calm down. We were both scoring pretty quickly but every so often he would just calm me down.

“Most of the people watching were supporting Cornwall, but I got a good cheer from everybody when I was out, especially when I got back into the dressing and from my parents who were there to watch me.”