SOMERSET’S young ‘keeper Ben Church has enjoyed the opportunity he has been given to play for Somerset in the Metro Bank One Day Cup competition.

The 18 year old, who is in his last year on the Academy, said: “It’s been amazing and I’m just so fortunate to have had the opportunity to be able to play in the Metro Bank this summer and get some professional cricket experience - it’s been really good, ”

“I have been a wicket-keeper for as long as I can remember - my bowling was never any good so I thought that I needed another string to my bow. I have scored a lot of runs coming through the age groups and started playing for the Seconds in June 2024. Since then I have had a few good scores for them as well.”

How different has playing in the Metro Bank been to playing for the Seconds - what sort of a step up has it been?

“It’s a different environment playing in front of the fans and the pressure that comes with that, and the pace of the game is slightly quicker, although I would have kept to a lot of the Somerset bowlers playing for the Seconds. Obviously it’s different challenges but I haven’t found it too much of a big step up, just the pressures that come with playing First XI cricket.”

What about his batting? “The role I have been playing in the Metro Bank games, coming in later on and looking to finish the innings - is something that I haven’t done a lot of in my career so as a fairly inexperienced batter in that environment has been a challenge. I’d say that while there are a few senior professionals in this competition the bowling isn’t too different from Second XI cricket.”

How does he feel about the way he has performed behind the stumps? “I haven’t dropped too many catches or missed many stumpings which I’m pleased with, I’m just trying to be as tidy as possible and tidy up throws. I feel like I have done my job pretty well, and I’ve had a stumping as well, which was nice to get so it’s all been pretty pleasing. Hopefully there will be a few more stumpings in the games we have got left.

What’s it been like playing at home in front of a Friday night crowd? “It’s an amazing experience to be playing in front of a packed home crowd at Taunton. I have watched so many games here and always dreamt of being able to play there - they are such a lovely crowd. To go from being a fan watching to actually be out there playing is such a great experience.”

Looking ahead Ben said: “ This winter I’m going to Australia to play cricket and depending what happens with contracts at the end of this summer will then come back and play Second XI cricket or go and trial.

“There are still a lot of unknowns but the rest of this summer playing cricket then a winter in Australia so there’s a lot to look forward to.”

Ben added: “I am definitely enjoying myself at the moment- it’s such a cool experience to have the opportunity to play professional cricket for Somerset, I’m just trying to enjoy this month and the Metro Bank competition, and looking forward to the good things on the horizon.”