Somerset's cricketers bidding to end long wait for Lord's cup final success

Somerset take on Hampshire at Lord's on Saturday. Credit: PA Images

Somerset Cricket team are preparing for another shot at cup final glory - 18 years on from the last time they won a trophy at Lord's.

Tom Abell's men take on Hampshire in the Royal London One Day Cup final on Saturday, looking to put an end to a long sequence of finishing second in domestic competitions.

Somerset's last Lord's success came in 2001, before coloured clothing was standard in cup finals, as a team featuring Keith Parsons, Jamie Cox, Peter Bowler and Andrew Caddick overcame Leicestershire.

Since then the Cidermen have appeared in three Lord's finals - losing to Yorkshire in 2002, Warwickshire in 2010 and Surrey in 2011, the latter despite a brilliant 86 from future England superstar Jos Buttler.

Surrey's Jade Dernbach celebrates a wicket in the 2011 final against Somerset. Credit: PA Images

Somerset have a mixed record in St John's Wood. They have made it to 14 Lord's finals, winning six and losing eight.

Their first victory came in 1979, followed by three wins in a row between 1981 and 1983 - the era of Viv Richards, Joel Garner and Ian Botham.

Ian Botham with the NatWest Trophy in 1983 Credit: PA Images

Saturday's final, against last year's winners Hampshire, represents a chance for the modern team to replicate those 'glory years' and give their travelling fans something to cheer about.