AFTER Somerset's first win in the 2023 LV=Insurance County Championship at the weekend, it was all smiles amongst the playing group.

Captain Tom Abell said it was a very strong performance and highlighted the talent in the Somerset squad.

He said: "It has been a pretty perfect week for us to be honest. From start to finish I don't think we could have done much more.

"After Day One, we felt like we were in a great position and then with the attack we have, we knew we would do well.

He added that this is how Somerset want to play their cricket.

"As a collective, that is how we want to play our cricket, we have been building towards this to be honest, and we have been playing far better in recent games.

"Long may it continue."

On the performance itself, Abell said there were so many aspects that pleased him.

"George Bartlett's game was incredible in this match. I am so happy for him as I knew he wanted to get a big score, it is good for us to have him in-form in the middle order.

"Tom Kohler-Cadmore continued his great form too, he is such a good weapon for. But as a unit in the field it was very pleasing. We were relentless.

Speaking on Matt Henry, Abell said he is a dream teammate.

"He is the dream to be honest, incredible guy. We love having him in the changing room, he is a world class bowler and not too bad with the bat either."

Touching on the slow start to the season, Abell said he thinks Somerset haven't been too far off the pace.

"I don't think we have been too far off this season, but we have been building nicely. We have been playing good cricket in parts, but this win shows the level we are at.

"It is a great feeling, I am delighted for everybpdy to get the first win of the season."

Fans will hope this win spurs Somerset to more this season in the LV=Insurance County Championship.

A worrying stat though is it was only their second red-ball success away from Taunton in more than two years, the other coming against neighbours Gloucestershire at Bristol last summer.