Dan Wilkins

Somerset County Cricket Club has provided injury updates ahead of the return of the County Championship and the Women’s Metro Bank One Day Cup. Alfie Ogborne is expected to miss the rest of the season with a lower back stress fracture, while Thomas Rew could return before the season ends after suffering ankle ligament injuries. Tom Banton and Finn Hill remain injured. In the women’s team, Erin Vukusic will miss the remainder of the one-day cup with a lower back stress response, while Emma Corney has returned from an ACL injury.

Twelve-year-old Taunton player Thomas Pope competed in the 14-and-under boys' singles national finals of Play Your Way to Wimbledon at the All England Club. Although he did not reach the final, Pope described playing at Wimbledon as an unforgettable experience after qualifying through local and county events. The Vodafone-supported competition gives recreational players a route from club, park or school competitions to national finals, and has expanded to include para-standing and deaf categories alongside other junior, adult and disability events.

Twelve-year-old Millfield School student Meilin Keeler competed in the national finals of Play Your Way to Wimbledon on the All England Club’s Aorangi Courts. Although she did not reach the final of the girls’ under-14 singles tournament, Keeler described playing on Wimbledon’s grass courts and experiencing the venue as unforgettable. The Vodafone-supported competition, delivered with the Lawn Tennis Association and All England Club, gives players of varied ages and abilities a route from local events to national finals, with new para-standing and deaf categories added for 2026.

Taunton Bowling Club recorded mixed results across several fixtures. Blackwood Bowls Touring Team won a friendly six-rink match 101–88, Wellington narrowly defeated Taunton 32–29 in an SWSLL match, and Taunton Ladies beat Ilminster 65–45 in the County Triples. Taunton later lost 70–56 to Tiverton Canal after both clubs won two rinks each.

Taunton Town are set to host Berkhamsted at Wordsworth Drive, aiming for consecutive home victories after beating Malvern. Berkhamsted arrive following a defeat by Chertsey Town but had won their opening match against Havant & Waterlooville. The teams have a recent competitive history, including Taunton’s 2001 FA Vase victory over Berkhamsted Town and defeats in their last two meetings.

King’s College, Taunton ended the school year by winning the National School Under-18 T20 Cup, defeating Shrewsbury School after beating Bede’s in the semi-final. The school’s pupils and former pupils also achieved significant milestones, including professional contracts and debuts for Somerset, Test debuts for England by James Rew and Sonny Baker, and international representation by Thomas R at the Under-19 World Cup. The school attributes its sustained success to long-term investment in facilities, coaching and player development.

Taunton Town begin their Southern League Premier South campaign away at newly promoted Hanworth Villa on August 8, after narrowly avoiding relegation the previous season. The club has strengthened its squad with returning players Freddie Godden and Phil Mendonca, hometown signing Gabe Billington, and new arrivals Harry Watts, Sam Lord and Jack Anthony. Taunton's first home fixture is against another promoted side, Malvern Town, on August 11.

Taunton Town Bowling Club defeated Topsham 37–17 on aggregate in the Tony Allcock Trophy area final at Culm Vale, securing a place at Leamington Spa later in the month. Taunton’s women lost both rinks against Watchet but narrowly beat Taunton Deane, while Merriot edged Taunton in a four-rink friendly. Taunton’s men also lost to Watchet in the Turnbull Cup.

Members of Somerset Camera Club photographed Somerset’s industrial landscape for a themed collection, including Hinkley Point C at night, the See Monster at Weston, and peat excavation. Selected images are being featured across several local newspapers, and readers are invited to join the club through Facebook.

Taunton Town FC has confirmed that hometown player Phil Mendonca has agreed terms to remain with the club for the 2026–27 season. After suffering a series of serious injuries, the former Exeter City youngster rebuilt his fitness through spells with Buckland Athletic and Sidmouth Town. Manager Gary Johnson praised Mendonca's pre-season performances, loyalty and recovery, expressing confidence that Taunton supporters will welcome his return.

Taunton Bowling Club defeated Bloomfield 39–16 on a neutral green at Weston-super-Mare and progressed to face Topsham in the Tony Allcock Trophy. Taunton Ladies also won their County Triples match against Yeovil 54–48, while the club’s home team beat Uffculme 58–36 in a four-triples return fixture. The club is run by its members and promotes its indoor and outdoor facilities as welcoming to players of all ages and abilities.

Deane's First and Second XIs both lost despite starting the day as league leaders. James Hayman starred for Shapwick and Polden with 133 runs and six wickets in a 304–219 victory over Deane's second XI. In the first-XI match, Deane made 259, but Congresbury chased the target in the 49th over as Nathan Roux scored an unbeaten 151, including seven sixes. The result cost Deane the league lead, while the second XI remained top and the first XI prepared to face Twyford House.

Taunton Town defeated local rivals Tiverton Town 2-0 in a pre-season friendly, securing their first home win of the preparation period. Ben Seymour opened the scoring after rounding the goalkeeper, and Dan Koita added a second before half-time. Taunton also missed a penalty, while a second Seymour goal was ruled out for offside, but the home side held on despite late saves from Godden.

Joseph Eckland, a 22-year-old Bridgwater cricketer and former Somerset age‑group and England Under‑19 player, has signed with Gloucestershire for the 2026 Metro Bank One Day Cup. Having previously played for Hampshire, he debuted for Gloucestershire in a narrow loss to Leicestershire, scoring 12 runs. Eckland expressed enthusiasm about joining the club and hopes to make a strong impact in the competition.

Taunton Bowling Club recorded several strong results over a two‑week stretch despite hot weather, including victories over Ilminster in the Tony Alcock mixed match and Ilminster B in the Top Club. The ladies’ team won an area final against North Petherton before narrowly losing to Ilminster. Friendly matches against Torquay and Chard both ended in comfortable Taunton wins, while the ladies secured a close County triples victory in Wellington.

Six days of competitions at Wedmore Golf Club concluded with multiple team and individual winners across formats including Shambles, four ball better ball, bowmaker, individual stableford, Texas Scramble and better ball. Strong performances featured throughout the week, with notable victories from teams led by Martin Peakman, Steve Major, Ian Williams and Sam Adlam, while Janet Robson and Moly Mcmillan topped the individual standings. Greenkeepers were credited for exceptional course conditions in hot weather.

Heptathlete Ellen Barber celebrates her first Team England selection for the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, expressing excitement about competing on home soil after overcoming injury setbacks. She recalls the moment she learned of her selection, supported by fiancé and former decathlete James Finney, and outlines her ambition to contend for a medal. Alongside athletics, she works in her family’s long‑running Somerset cheese business, A.J. and R.G. Barber Ltd.

Taunton Town begin preparations for the new football season with a pre‑season match against Bridgwater United after returning to training. Manager Gary Johnson emphasises the need for part‑time players with a full‑time mentality as the squad continues to take shape. A second friendly against Street FC is scheduled for the following week.

Taunton St Andrews’ senior teams suffered defeats across multiple fixtures, despite strong individual performances including Archie Vaughan’s 66 and Louis Kraucamp’s unbeaten century. Minehead and Taunton Deane secured successful run chases in their respective matches. Younger players excelled for the Saints B XI, with Leo Contreras scoring an unbeaten maiden century and helping secure a last-ball win at Ilminster. The Saints Under‑15s also advanced in the Vitality Blast T20 County Cup after winning a Super Over against Wembdon. Former players are invited to an upcoming event during the First XI’s match against Clevedon.

All six Deane cricket teams secured victories at the league season’s midpoint, celebrated by players and supporters at the Convent Field. Standout bowling and batting performances across all squads contributed to the clean sweep, with key efforts from Sakuna Liyanage, Jack Leach, Louis Kraucamp and several others. The first XI’s chase of 258 was anchored by strong partnerships, culminating in a confident win and continued momentum for the club.

Somerset County Cricket Club extended 20-year-old Fin Hill’s contract through the 2027 season, backing him despite a hamstring injury that ended his 2026 campaign. Hill expressed gratitude for the opportunity and determination to return stronger. The club’s director of cricket, Andy Hurry, highlighted Hill’s potential, work ethic and development trajectory toward regular First XI cricket.

Tornado Bello has been appointed player‑manager of Wellington AFC, succeeding Richard Cherry. Bello, a former striker with experience across Devon, Cornwall, and Nigeria, will be supported by advisor Dean Edwards. He aims to build a disciplined, hard‑working team culture and strengthen the club through player development and community engagement. Chairman Mike Hall expressed confidence in Bello’s alignment with the club’s long‑term vision and player pathway. Bello credited mentors Ben Potter and Edwards for their guidance as he moves into his first managerial role.

Lando Norris finished seventh in the Austrian Grand Prix after losing places early but recovering to end 10 seconds behind teammate Oscar Piastri. George Russell ended a long winless run with a controlled victory that reduced his championship deficit and moved him ahead of Lewis Hamilton in the standings. Russell’s performance drew praise from Mercedes leadership, and he reflected on recent challenges and the resilience needed to regain form.