Devon Cricket Board - Bess hungry for more Somerset 2nd XI action

By RICHARD WALSH
DEVON youngster Dom Bess is nearing the end of his first full year on the Academy at Taunton and is the latest member of his family to have associations with Somerset, however he aims to be the first to make the grade into the professional game.
“I have really enjoyed my first year on the Academy at the County Ground,” said Bess.
“When Jason Kerr invited me to join the Academy I was really happy.
“Unfortunately I have had an injury for part of the winter but my recovery has been really good and I have come back a lot stronger and will be fit for the coming season.
The 17-year-old, off-spinning all-rounder was given a baptism of fire last summer when he was called up play for Somerset 2nd XI in their match against Kent at Maidstone.
“It was huge step up to go straight into 2nd XI cricket,” said Bess.
“Coming to the ground I felt really nervous. Then I got the bus with all of the others and I felt better.
“It was a massive learning curve for me and I was thrown in the deep end but it was a great experience for me.”
Talking about his first game the young all-rounder said: “Walking out on to the pitch with the Somerset boys who had played First Class cricket like Chris Jones and Gemaal Hussain and then to see Daniel Bell Drummond batting for Kent and get 98 was a step up.
“I love it because you are there with them and experiencing what the professionals do in their own environment.
“The Somerset environment is really positive and made me feel very welcome.
“The experience of playing in those two 2nd XI games for Somerset has made me ever hungrier to want to succeed.
“When I went home I thought that is what I want to do and I will do anything I have to do to achieve that step. But I know that there is a huge amount of work to do before then.
He talked about his first memories of playing cricket.
The Bess name is synonymous with Sidmouth CC, where dad Russell, granddad Gerald and uncle Graham all played.
Dom’s cousins – Zac, Luke and Devon captain Josh – are all current players.
“The first time I can remember playing cricket is when my grandad took me down to Sidmouth with my cousins,” said Dom.
“I sort of remember playing in the nets. I was the youngest and they let me bat first.
“I first got picked for Devon Under 10s by Ted Ashman, since when I have gone up through the county age groups.
Thanks to Alan Swift I went on the Under 15s’ tour to South Africa a year early, which was really enjoyable.
“I then played for the Under 16s and 17s with Martin Webb and Matt Wood, who have also been a massive influence on my game.”
Talking about how he sees himself as a cricketer Bess said: “I am an off-spinner who can bat as well, and I like to see myself getting the team out of a hole when needed!
Dom Bess started school at Sidmouth College then got a scholarship to Blundell’s School when he was 13 years old.
“I am in my first year of A Levels, so I have got another year at school,” he said.
“After that I would like to hopefully go to university so I have got a back-up outside of cricket.
Exeter might be an option for me because I have seen Tom Abell do that and I also know Julian Wyatt through Devon cricket.”
The Sidmouth youngster talked about what it was like at the County Ground.
“I feel very comfortable here at Somerset and it’s awesome when you come here to train in the week and senior players like Marcus Trescothick and James Hildreth are around and they are all so friendly,” he said.
“You don’t feel frightened by them at all because you feel you are all part of one big Somerset family and its really good and I enjoy it.”
Looking ahead Dom said: “This is a massive season for me. It’s my first year on the Academy so I just want to look back on 2014 and be happy with my performances and my stats showing that I am a good player and let the cricket do the talking.
“I would hope to get a regular spot in the Sidmouth 1^st XI and get some good performances and get into the Devon Lions and Somerset Second XI as well, if Andy asks me.
“Somerset Seconds is the highest I have ever played in my life and I want more of it.”
Dom paid tribute to his family for supporting him through his cricketing life so far.
“My Mum and Dad have been a huge help in me getting to where I have got to today and I can’t say a big enough thank you to them.
“My grandparents also played a massive part in my development as well as friends’ parents, who have taken me to matches at times.”
What does Dom Bess hope to be doing in five years time?
“If I keep working like I am and putting in what I am doing now then I would love to have a contract at Somerset because looking up from Devon this is the closest First Class county and I have always loved coming to Taunton to the cricket.
“Here I feel that I am part of the set up and I would love to be here on the staff working on the staff with the professionals.”
He added: “You have got to have the dream and yes I would love to play for England but that is long term and where I’d like to be in a few years time.”

Left to right are Marc Tweddle, Dom Bess and Andy Hurry at the Taunton Academy