By CONRAD SUTCLIFFE

THE first Devon Day out at Somerset CCC was so successful it will be repeated next season.

Devon members were offered the chance to watch a day’s cricket at the Cooper Associates County Ground in Taunton free of charge.

All they had to do was show their Devon CCC membership card at the gate to be admitted to a reserved section of seats in the Somerset Pavilion Stand.

Around 30 Devon members made the trip up to Taunton on May 11 for day one of Somerset’s Specsavers County Championship game against Hampshire.

Although rain stopped play at tea time, the Devon contingent went home happy having seen three of their former players – Lewis Gregory, Craig Overton and Dom Bess – all in action.

Neil Gamble, the Devon chairman, said despite the early finish it had been an enjoyable day out.

“We received a very warm welcome and have already been invited back again next year,” said Gamble.

“We were in the Somerset Pavilion - on the site of the old pavilion - behind the bowler’s arm and it was good to see three products of Devon cricket - Lewis Gregory, Craig Overton and Dom Bess - bowl well on the first day.”

David Thorneley, one of the Devon committeemen who attended the game, also felt the outing was a success.

“It was a very convivial occasion watching entertaining cricket, alas brought to a premature conclusion by the onset of rain.”

Devon officials have made a reciprocal offer to Somerset members to come along to any of their home games on days when Somerset are not in action at Taunton.