Cup Match 2026 proved to be bittersweet for Somerset bowling coach Mark Trott.

While thrilled to see the holders hand St George’s another crushing innings defeat, the former Somerset player and cricket chairman is sad to part ways with the club after announcing his retirement from the coaching staff.

“This Cup Match marks my final chapter as bowling coach,” Trott told The Royal Gazette. “It is a bittersweet moment and I have thoroughly enjoyed every single year I’ve held this unique privilege.

“While our two innings defeats of St George's along with many other memorable victories stand out as special milestones, specific moments shine even brighter.

“Seeing Dion Stovell hit back-to-back hundreds and watching Malachi Jones amass an incredible tally of wickets, reaching 59 during my time involved, are memories I will cherish for ever.

“I would like to express a special thank-you to the SCC executives and management committees throughout my years of involvement for their unwavering support and especially to the wider Somerset community who embraced me so warmly. It has been an absolute honour to serve you all.

“Special thank-you to Janeiro Tucker and Cofield Robinson, who continue to keep the standards high. I have thoroughly enjoyed working alongside the two of you over the past two years.”

Tucker thanked his outgoing colleague for his service to the club.

“Mark has been a good servant to Somerset Cricket Club and he was a real good help this year in the league and Cup Match,” he said.

“Mark was definitely a life-saver this year and I wish him the best in the future for what’s next for him in life. Thank you, Mark.”

Representing Somerset in Cup Match proved to be “one of the absolute highlights” of Trott’s life.

The former Bailey’s Bay seamer’s Cup Match journey began at Somerset in the late 1980s when he made his debut on the heels of representing Bermuda at the 1986 ICC Trophy in England.

After making two appearances for Somerset in the Annual Classic, Trott transitioned into management as team manager and by the mid-1990s took on a coaching role, working specifically with the bowlers under former coach Winston Reid.

“Winston was someone I had the privilege of playing alongside in Cup Match and he was a constant source of encouragement for me,” Trott said.

“Another player who left a lasting impact on my career was John Tucker. Ironically John, the father of current Somerset coach Janeiro Tucker, was a massive inspiration to me. I had the privilege of playing alongside John in Cup Match as well, and to this day we remain in close contact.”

In the early 2000s, Trott took on the role as cricket chairman under the leadership of club president Richard Scott.

“Janeiro was captain during that time and it was during this pivotal era that we selected Dion Stovell, Malachi Jones and Derrick Brangman,” he recalled. “Seeing how those three players developed over the years into absolute thorns in the side of St George’s brings me immense pride.

“While Dion and Malachi will certainly be missed as they move on, I have no doubt that the next generation is ready to step up. Players like Dominic Sabir and Jermal Proctor, along with others, have loads of untapped potential and I look forward to seeing them mature and grow into mainstay performers.

“I also had the opportunity to work under Jeff Richardson, whom I had played alongside during Western Stars' days. I have truly been blessed to work alongside individuals who were not only phenomenal players, but who possess fantastic cricket brains in both Jeff and Janeiro.

“The underlying key to Somerset's sustained success over the years has been simple: hard work. We have never taken the opponent for granted and nothing has ever been overlooked. The coaching staff has always prioritised keeping training sessions simple, placing maximum emphasis on mastering the basics and executing them consistently.”