- Somerset County Championship drought continues despite six runner up finishes
- Taunton turn and star players define Somerset’s enduring identity
- Rew brothers lead new push to end Somerset’s title wait
From the outset, Somerset have carried a distinct identity. Formed in 1875 after a fixture in Sidmouth, the club began as a wandering side, taking cricket across the county before settling in Taunton.
That eventual home by the River Tone would grow into one of the most recognisable grounds in the country, a place where the game is played with both freedom and flair, and where the Taunton turn has long challenged batsmen unused to its subtleties.
The Taunton turn and a unique identity
It is a venue that has staged some of the finest cricketers to play the game. Names such as Marcus Trescothick, Viv Richards, Ian Botham and Joel Garner are woven into Somerset folklore, while the modern era has seen figures like Craig Overton and Jack Leach continue that tradition.
Time and again, Somerset teams have entertained, innovated and competed at the highest level, often doing so with a distinctive style shaped by spin friendly conditions and an attacking mindset.
The Somerset County Championship drought explained
Yet the Championship title has remained elusive. Six times they have finished as runners up in the modern era, in 2001, 2010, 2012, 2016, 2018 and 2019. Each near miss has only strengthened the narrative.
The Somerset County Championship drought is not simply a statistic. It has become part of the club’s identity, a lingering question that follows every promising season.
Six near misses and counting
Somerset are not just a strong county side. They are arguably the finest never to claim the crown. Across multiple eras, they have built teams capable of winning the title, only to fall just short when it mattered most.
Golden era success without the Championship
Their early years offered little indication of what was to come. After joining the Championship in 1891, Somerset spent decades searching for consistency. It was not until the late twentieth century that silverware finally arrived, and when it did, it came in style.
The triumphs of 1979 marked a turning point as the club secured two one day trophies in the space of just two days, winning the Gillette Cup in 1979 and the John Player League in 1979, sparking a golden period that would define Somerset cricket.
Through the late seventies and early eighties, Somerset became one of the most compelling teams in England. Under the guidance of Brian Close, and inspired by the brilliance of Richards, Botham and Garner, they built a formidable record in limited overs cricket.
Between 1979 and 1983, Somerset won the Gillette Cup in 1979, 1981 and 1982, and the John Player League in 1979 and 1982, confirming their dominance in the one day game.
The era of Richards, Botham and Garner
Through the late seventies and early eighties, Somerset became one of the most compelling teams in England. Under the guidance of Brian Close, and inspired by the brilliance of Richards, Botham and Garner, they played a brand of cricket that was both dominant and exhilarating.
Five limited overs titles in five years confirmed their standing, while individual feats such as Richards’ famous 322 at Taunton only added to the legend.
Collapse and rebuild after 1987
That era ended abruptly in 1987 following a bitter internal dispute that led to the departure of key figures. The consequences were felt for years, and although success returned in shorter formats with titles in 2001 and 2005, the Championship remained beyond their grasp.
Even so, Somerset have never drifted far from contention. Their recent sides have combined experience with emerging talent, backed by conditions that continue to favour bold cricket and skilful spin.
Can Somerset end their County Championship drought in 2026?
As the 2026 season gathers pace, there is a familiar sense of possibility around Taunton. Early form has been encouraging, and there is balance in the side, from seam to spin, youth to experience.
The Rew brothers and a new generation
The emergence of the James Rew and Thomas Rew adds fresh intrigue, their attacking intent complementing the control of Jack Leach and the reliability of Craig Overton.
With the Rew brothers bringing energy to the batting, Leach exploiting the Taunton turn and Overton leading with consistency, Somerset once again look like a side capable of challenging for the title.
A story still waiting for its ending
After years of coming close, the question returns with renewed urgency. Could this finally be the year Somerset shed their unwanted label and complete their story?
Cricket has a way of rewarding persistence. The Somerset County Championship drought has endured for generations, but belief remains that the ending has yet to be written.
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