Somerset reveal depth amid the tedium

The new-look C&G Trophy is about as attractive as a mortgage arrears notice, which might explain why Surrey members showed a marked lack of anxiety following the club's second defeat in three matches in the competition.

Somerset's 26-run victory, achieved as it was without their biggest players, Marcus Trescothick, Ian Blackwell and Andy Caddick, must give heart to their new coach Andy Hurry, for it was their second win in the 50-over game. But this is not a format that quickens the pulse.

The old Gillette Cup, which became the NatWest and C&G trophies, was launched in 1963, a knock-out competition designed to bring excitement to the county game and help make up for declining attendances for championship matches. But the new shape of the competition appears to have been designed to drive cricket followers back to the four-day game with a fresh sense of appreciation.

The C&G Trophy is now played on a league basis, with two groups of 10; the top team from each group will meet in the final at Lord's on August 26; it is merely a slightly fleshed out version of the Pro 40, or National League, which is played over 40 overs.

With only one team qualifying, the tedium evident yesterday will become even more pronounced in the weeks ahead when there will be many dead matches. It would have been much better for two, or even four, from each group to qualify for a knock-out stage.

The other factor most noticeable here was the absence of top players. Even in the era of central contracts England's players have usually been released for C&G Trophy games. But on Saturday the England and Wales Cricket Board contacted Somerset and withdrew Trescothick.

Blackwell has a back injury but Somerset rested Caddick, again unthinkable in the old knock-out days. At least the absence of Trescothick left a place open for Arul Suppiah. "Harold," as he is called by some, scored a classy 63 before taking four wickets with his left-arm spin. It might have won him a man-of-the-match award, but of course there isn't one any more.

Suppiah, 22, is a talented Malaysian who has played for England through the age groups. "He's a real three-dimensional player," said Hurry. "When Marcus dropped out I had no hesitation in playing him because he can occupy the crease and has some great shots. All he has to do now is learn to work the ball around a bit more."

Suppiah put on 100 for the second wicket with his captain Matthew Wood (92) to set up Somerset's challenging total of 279 for five. Surrey were always in trouble after making a ponderous start. Jon Batty was caught at slip early on and then James Benning made the double mistake of running out his captain, Mark Butcher, and not staying away from the pavilion himself. Benning was soon caught behind and so was Ali Brown, cutting, after a 40-ball 48. Mark Ramprakash scored 56 but it took him 94 balls. He is a wonderful player but this is not his game.