Jeff Richardson, the Somerset coach, believes that his team’s emphatic Cup Match victory has earned his side the respect that they deserve from St George’s.

Somerset thrashed the East Enders by an innings and 34 runs — their biggest Classic win for 70 years.

“I have held back on this for quite some time but I believe that Somerset do not get the respect from the other team that they deserve,” Richardson said. “I honestly believe that. I think this result stamps our authority on Cup Match and will make St George’s rethink how they do things.”

Richardson was delighted that his team achieved an innings victory, a feat he always felt they were capable of.

“I have been asking for a ‘two to one’ for about four years now but there was always the weather or something beyond our control that prevented us from doing it.

“There was one time when we were exhausted and didn’t have the legs to bowl them out a second time.

“We were always looking to win the match; bat first and post a big score and if we find ourselves in position for a ‘two to one’ let’s go for it and it came to fruition.

“It was almost like it went to script and I just sat there in total disbelief that things were going the way they were going.”

Somerset posted 378 for nine declared after electing to bat on a flat track with Terryn Fray and Chris Douglas producing a record opening partnership of 153.

“We have always believed they could do something like this,” Richardson said.

“I kept telling guys we need a good score to start this thing off and everything just fell into place.

“When we made the toss we were 50-50 on whether we should bat or bowl. The guys really felt it was a good batting track and if we could post a decent score we could bat them out of the match.”

The home side completed their win after claiming the required 20 wickets, 16 of which tumbled on the second day, with off spinner Dion Stovell leading the charge with match figures of seven for 79.

“We held on to our catches and the guys bowled stump to stump,” Richardson said.

“In order to get batsmen out, you have to make them play.

“I thought our bowlers did that well and we were somewhat amazed at the some of the shot selection of the St George’s batsmen. We were like ‘have they realised how this match is poised?’”

Richardson described his team’s victory as the crowning moment of his cricket career.

“I won Cup Match in ’96 in Somerset and retired right after that, but this here is the [highlight] of my cricket career, helping Somerset to achieve this historical moment,” he said.

“This is by far the best moment of my life in cricket and it is wonderful to make Bermuda cricket history.

“This was more than an individual achievement; it was a team achievement and I love these guys dearly.

“I have a very good team with some very interesting characters.”