"This experience that will motivate them": Somerset's youngsters backed to bounce back from title near-miss

NICK HOWSON: Director of cricket Andy Hurry has taken the failure to capture a maiden Championship hard - but there are plenty of positives to focus on

Inside the nerve centre of Somerset County Cricket Club, where plans are formulated, strategies are tweaked and, at least today, the celebrations of Essex's title winners are muffled, sits an exacerbated Andy Hurry, the director of cricket.

Naturally, for someone who has just watched nine months of hard work go up in smoke and a first ever County Championship title evade his young charges, the 54-year-old wants to get away from the increasingly raucous celebrations of the euphoric visitors.

Though Essex have ended the season with fewer defeats in Division One, more centurions and with the highest wicket-taker in the country in Simon Harmer, there is something fortuitous about the capturing of the eighth title in their history.

They have clung on to top spot by "the barest of margins," as Ian Smith would say, thanks to a drawn final game against their closest rivals.

Inclement weather and a ruined outfield torpedoed six complete sessions during this decider, including the entire third day.

On two of the three days play was possible, it began 90 minutes late. At one stage, there were 44 hours and 17 minutes between deliveries. Hurry's frustration, therefore, is palpable.

"A lot of blood, sweat and tears has gone into this campaign," Hurry, speaking to The Cricketer, sighed. And as a former Royal Marines instructor, you can't help but belief him.

Against the backdrop of a sixth runners-up finish in the Championship, it is easy to forget what another encouraging campaign it has been in the west country. They ended a 14-year wait for a major trophy by capturing the One-Day Cup at Lord's.

Several youngsters became staples of the first team, including Tom Banton and George Bartlett. Three players will be off to New Zealand with England in November.

^{Tom Banton will join up with England for the T20 series against New Zealand}

"They're aware we've had a good year," Hurry insisted. "We've won silverware for the first time in 14 years, that is an achievement in itself so we've got that monkey off our backs.

"Guys being recognised at senior England level is success for the club. We want to continue to develop players and we want them to continue to be recognised at the highest possible level.

"There is no doubt we're working really, really well here. We are developing players through our system. The academy system there are good competition for places in that."

Providing a pathway from the academy into the first team means that while Somerset might not be awash with cash or silverware, there is something far more important building around Taunton; a warmth between the players and the fanbase.

Overseas stars have undoubtedly helped improve the standard of competition at county level but given the rolling carousel cricket has become, it is tough to build a genuine connection during temporary contracts or fleeting spells. That quality comes from within.

But amid the optimism must come caution. Such a devastating near-miss - Somerset had the destination of the title in their own hands with two games remaining - will have an effect on a young group. Hurry, however, is confident such disappointment will only galvanise them further.

"It is important we take some time out now and reflect and recharge our batteries and come back inspired by what we have achieved over 2019," he explained.

"We have a lot of young talent in that dressing room and this will be an experience that will motivate them to work harder this winter, to get more physically robust and make sure our challenge next year is at the higher level than it has been this year."