Somerset’s emphatic victory in the 2026 Cup Match was especially sweet for coach Janeiro Tucker.

It was the former Somerset star's first since taking over the helm from Jeff Richardson last year.

“It feels wonderful to celebrate my first win as coach and a pleasure working with the group of guys we have here for the last month and a bit,” Tucker told The Royal Gazette.

“I never had any issues with them; they trained, worked hard and did what I asked of them.”

St George’s were asked to follow on after being dismissed for 113 in their first innings on the second and final day, replying to Somerset’s 391 all out in their only turn at bat.

The challengers were comfortably poised to secure a draw at 100 for one at tea in their second innings.

However, they came unstuck when play resumed as their remaining nine wickets fell for 77 runs in 24 overs to complete another famous innings victory for the holders.

Even Tucker was surprised by the outcome after the entire morning session on the opening day was lost when the start of the match was delayed until 2.20pm.

“Nobody expected anyone to win after five hours were lost on day one,” he said.

“When the game started I told my players we still have to put in the work and see where it gets us, and after the first day we had a good 278-run lead.

“We had a plan on Friday to come out and bat until about 10.30am and try and get to at least 400 and then reassess it.

“After we got bowled out we wanted to see how many wickets we can get, and at lunch when they were in trouble at 90 for eight, we wanted them out as soon as possible.

“Once we bowled them out it was automatic they were going back in because they had a 278-run deficit. We said ‘let’s go for the win’ and sent them back in.

“At tea I told them we were flat and to win we needed to pick up the energy. Once Isaiah O’Brien went, I knew it was going be a win or they would have to hang on for a draw.

“But we got the result we wanted from hard work in training, planning for the two days and teamwork. I am so proud of all my players and thank them for respecting and following the game plan.

“To me this is history and I feel so happy to be part of it. I don’t think there’s ever been a game start at 2.20 in the afternoon and still get a two-to-one.”

Tucker, who holds multiple Cup Match records, including most runs (1,491) and highest innings (186), also thanked all-rounders Dion Stovell and Malachi Jones for their services after the pair retired.

“I want to congratulate Malachi and Dion on giving good service to Somerset,” he said.

“These guys have given a good 20 years and the good thing about it is I brought them in when I was captain in 2006 and now they’re going out with me being the coach, so that’s a pleasure for me to work with those guys.

“It’s going to be a big miss, but I think we are doing a great job in making the transition to the future.”