County Cricket: Five Somerset players sign new deals at Taunton

Somerset has awarded contracts to five young players including wicket-keepers Alex Barrow and James Regan.

Barrow, 22, came through the county’s academy and was first awarded a contract in 2010.

This season he got his chance when first-choice Craig Kieswetter was injured and he says: “I am delighted to sign a new contract with Somerset and although it has been a tough season for the club we have got exciting times ahead.”

Regan, 20, another academy product has enjoyed a good season with both bat and gloves for the second XI.

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He admitted: “I am absolutely delighted to get my first full professional contract with Somerset.

“It’s another stepping stone in my development and I am looking forward to being here throughout the winter and a successful season next year. I just need to work a little bit harder and hopefully push to get a first team place.”

Others earning contracts are Josh Davey, Max Waller and Lewis Gregory.

Davey who is 23, was previously with Middlesex and spent the whole of last winter voluntary training at the County Ground.

Delighted

He was awarded a 2014 summer contract and has produced some good results with both bat and ball for Somerset second XI and Scotland.

Davey said: “I am delighted to be staying with Somerset because it is somethin I have worked very hard to achieve.

“Somerset is a great cricket club and I have settled in very nicely here and I am very happy to be a part of it.”

Leg spinner Waller, 26, first played at Taunton in 2009 and this season has excelled at the T20 format.

Gregory, another academy player and 22, was under contract with Somerset until the end of 2015 which has now been extended for one more year.

He said: “It’s a huge honour to be offered a year extension to my contract and to know that I will be with the club for at least another two.”

Chief executive Guy Lavender stressed: “We are delighted that so many talented young players have committed their futures to the club.

“We place enormous importance on the development of young talent and it is wonderful to see all of their hard work and that of their coaches paying dividends.