THERE was no hiding the excitement and delight that acting captain Niamh Holland felt after she led Somerset Women to their first victory at the Cooper Associates County Ground since they became a fully professional team.

All rounder Niamh is Somerset through and through, having been born in Yeovil on March 3rd 2005 and has grown up living in Langport and going to Wellington School.

By the time Niamh was 13 she was already playing for the Somerset Under 17s and went onto make her senior debut for the county a year later.

She was drafted by London Spirit in The Hundred in 2023 and 2024 and also represented England at the Under 19 World Cup in 2022.

Straight after the game Niamh, who had taken over as captain from Sophie Luff who was suffering from a calf injury, said: “When I got the nod that I was going to captain the side I was absolutely buzzing and I can’t quite believe it to be honest. Just to walk out there at Taunton in front of a home crowd is really special and to get the win is even greater.

“I have come through the age groups since I was ten years old so it’s a very special moment now to see that. I never knew that I would do this and I hope it inspires all girls who are ten years old that they can do the same.

“There are so many clubs around here doing the right thing and its great to see so many people here watching us play today. Everyone loves playing at Taunton.”

Niamh added: “When Somerset got Tier 1 status I was probably the one who was buzzing most being a local girl and everyone is really excited about it.”