WELLINGTON’S Neil Hendy was the Man of the Match when he hit an unbeaten 65 to see Somerset Over 50s to victory over Durham in the quarter final of the ECB 50 KO Cup on Sunday at Midsomer Norton.

After Durham chose to bat ,Gary Bennett (Minehead) made an early breakthrough in the second over with just 14 scored. Bennett struck again with the total on 45 after which wickets fell at regular intervals, before Durham were all out for 176 in 42.3 overs.

Martin Cox ( Midsomer Norton ) claimed three for 15 from six overs, three of which were maidens, Brian Stone (Trull) took two for 33 and Bennett ended with two for 31, while ‘keeper Jon Kerslake (Taunton) took two catches and claimed a stumping.

When Somerset replied they too struggled to score runs and when skipper Kevin Parsons was out for 18 in the 17th over they found themselves 48 for four. Wickets kept tumbling and with the scoreboard showing 74 for eight in the 29th over Somerset were staring at defeat.

However, Hendy was joined by Jason Squire (Taunton Deane) and together they gradually started to edge towards the required total. They added 61 in 11 overs when Squire was out for a patient 21 off 28 balls after a stay of almost 45 minutes at the crease.

With 41 still needed off 33 balls Hendy was joined by Kerslake and between them the last wicket pairing saw Somerset onto 176 for nine off 45 overs. With the scores tied Somerset go through by losing the fewer wickets.

Hendy remained unbeaten on 65 off 78 balls with seven 4s and two 6s, while Kerslake ended not out six from 12.

In the semi final of the competition Somerset will host Yorkshire at North Perrott CC on Sunday, August 24,