Lives in Cricket No 44 - LCH Palairet

his benefit. After an innings apiece Somerset only trailed by 50 runs and then bowled Middlesex for 213, setting Somerset a testing, but possible 264 runs for victory and they had a full day to get them. Opening, Lionel and Braund scored freely until the introduction of Trott with the score at 53. Lionel fell to Tarrant for a forceful 35. The score progressed to 77 for three when the fireworks from Trott began. He trapped Lewis lbw second ball, then spread-eagled Massey Poyntz’ stumps, completing his hat- trick by bowling Woods. Amidst great excitement he made it four in four as he bowled Ernie Robson. Trott was not finished as at 97 for seven he completed the second hat-trick of the innings. Somerset lost by 166 runs; Len Braund again carried his bat for 28 and the innings was all over in 95 minutes. Trott finished with seven for 20. Happily, Somerset then won their first game against Sussex at Taunton by six wickets, Lionel contributing, thanks to some fine drives and cuts, with 49 he dominated an opening stand of 69 with Braund. This improved form seemed to be maintained in the next game at Bath. Again after one innings each, Somerset only trailed by six runs. In the second innings Somerset were well placed at 146 for two, but the dismissal of Braund resulted in the team only adding another 40 runs. Lancashire struggled to put together partnerships thanks from some good team bowling; at 159 for eight, with still another 23 needed, Somerset had a chance, but Thomas Higson and Harry Dean held their nerve and saw Lancashire home. The recent upturn in form was not continued. Somerset were well beaten by six wickets by Worcestershire, who were having a fine season and would finish joint second to unbeaten Nottinghamshire. Somerset’s next game was the return at Worcestershire. In much better batting form the side gained a respectable draw. The game was notable for the first-class debut of Bertie Bisgood who made 82 and 116 not out. Sadly he could not continue this as in 67 games for the county he had a batting average of less than 19. Somerset then started their northern tour at Headingley with an innings defeat. In the second innings Lionel (47) and Braund (34) opened with a good stand of 83; little more than an hour Captain of Somerset, and the Earl of Devon 99