Worcestershire 2nd XI suffered their first loss of the season against Somerset on Friday, with the Rapids comprehensively beaten in their second T20 Central Group clash of the summer.
Isaac Mohammed delivered another display of his devastating potential with a blistering half-century, as he and Henry Cullen (20) set the Rapids on their way.
Ben Gibbon and G Reddy made quick fire contributions as Worcestershire posted a competitive 196-9 at the end of their 20 overs.
Worcestershire’s bowlers were on the end of a Tom Banton and Tomas Rew masterclass as the Somerset top-order pair made an unbroken 180-run stand as they propelled their side to a 10-wicket win.
Another bright start from the young duo at the top of the order set the Rapids well on their way, ending the powerplay 74-0 despite having lost the toss and being inserted at Taunton Vale.
The left-handed Isaac, who has been in scintillating form for Club side Smethwick in the early stages of the summer, set about the Somerset seam attack, launching the ball to all parts as he cleared the ropes four times in a stunning opening salvo.
A week out from the start of the 2026 Vitality Blast T20, Isaac reached fifty from just 25 balls in what was another timely reminder of the 17-year-old’s potential.
Cullen played his part, scoring three boundaries of his own during his 16-ball-20, but his dismissal saw the Rapids 101-2 in the ninth over of the contest.
Trialist G Reddy impressed again with a powerful 38 from just 19 balls, hitting four-fours and two-sixes during his productive stint in the middle, as Worcestershire continued to score at upwards of 12-runs an over.
JR Eckland (24 from 16) and Ben Gibbon (21 from 18) ensured that the Worcestershire innings sustained momentum throughout, but a tricky middle period slowed progress with Ben Allison, Jack Home and Seth Essenhigh all making single figure scores.
Setting their opponents a competitive 197 to win, the visitors looked to make some early inroads as they set about securing back-to-back victories to start their season.
However, it was not to be for Alexei Kervezee’s side, with Somerset pair Tom Banton and Thomas Rew delivering a brutal assault on the Rapids bowlers, showing why the pair are so highly regarded in the world of white ball cricket, launching the ball to all parts as they masterminded an unbeaten stand of 181 to see their side home with just 14.2 overs bowled.
Banton finished not-out on 85 from 41, whilst teenager Rew was unbeaten on 90 from 37 balls, as the Rapids bowlers exercised all options without any success.
The 2nd XI are back in action on Wednesday, as Vitality Blast T20 preparations ramp up with Northants Steelbacks paying a visit to New Road for a T20 double-header.
