Cleveland 181-9

Somerset 141

Some inexplicably atrocious batting and running saw Somerset plummet from relative comfort to a 40-run defeat at the hands of Cleveland yesterday.

Needing 182 to overhaul the home side at St. John's Field, Somerset were well placed - on 131 for five - to make a run at the target with 15 overs remaining. However, about 20 minutes of craziness at the crease saw the visitors throw away their last five wickets for the addition of a mere ten runs.

So stunning was the match's about-turn that even celebrating Cleveland supporters were left to ponder how things had unfolded so fast in their favour.

"I can't believe it's over just like that," said one fan, laughing as Somerset's last man, David Gibbs, was comically run out for nought to seal the deal.

His demise was the third of its kind as tailenders Darren Richardson, who found himself in the same crease as non-striker Jacobi Robinson as Cleveland wicketkeeper Andre Hendrickson coolly removed the bails, and Reid Jones also perished via that route.

While they should all have been scolded for attempting non-existent runs, those batting before them could hardly have been entitled to do it. For if they were leading by example, theirs were certainly bad ones.

If it was not the irresponsible, first-over dismissal of Sheridan Ming - smacking a Hari Rawat ball to Aaron Adams at mid-off - it was Tony Cheeseman, Shaun Roberts, Shane Hollis and Devon Wade all losing their wickets because they broke one of cricket's cardinal rules - never hit across the line. The first three were bowled essaying some ambitious shots and skipper Wade was leg before to Peter Philpott for 24.

Still, amid these scenes of self-destruction, Somerset were in with a strong chance as, first, opener Cheeseman (34 with three fours and a six) and then Wendell White (32 with one four and a six) shouldered the task of guiding their innings.

White and Hollis had easily added 18 runs for the sixth wicket when the latter swiped at Johnny Richardson and had his stumps rattled for one. Jones followed, for one also, and White - for some reason deciding that boundaries were necessary though 13 overs were left - hauled Del Hollis to Adams at long-off. That was 137 for eight and it was all over bar the shouting. Philpott and Del Hollis both took two wickets.

"This was a hard-fought victory. For us it was never say die. We hung in their and kept our focus. Our bowling has been winning games for us all season. Just watch out when the batting gets some form," said a relieved Cleveland skipper Carlton Smith.

Earlier, Cleveland reached 181 thanks to a series of partnerships in their middle-order. Jason Simmons (27 with two fours and a six) and Johnny Richardson (36 with two fours and a six) had the highest stand of 58 for the sixth wicket. Somerset gave away 43 extras, including 36 wides. Gibbs took four for 31 off ten overs and Shane Hollis three for 33 off ten overs.