John Stovell received a loud ovation after sharing in a match-winning partnership that guided Somerset to a comfortable seven-wicket triumph over St George’s in the inaugural Cup Match Legends T20 match at Somerset Cricket Club last night.

Showing no signs of ring rust, the 82-year-old former Somerset captain added 38 runs with Roger Trott that carried his team across the line with two balls to spare.

It was only fitting that Stovell hit the winning boundary off of Eugene Foggo with the scores tied to finish unbeaten on five and Trott on 17.

“It was good, I enjoyed it,” Stovell, who was named man of the match, said after his match-winning innings. “I came to play cricket and do anything for the game and for Somerset to encourage the young fellows.

“It was good to be back out there and it was all firsts.

“First night game, I never played on turf in Bermuda before and also playing with the white ball.”

Opener Sheridan “Baldy” Ming led Somerset’s run chase, gathering 55 from 43 balls with eight fours before retiring.

Olin Jones, who added 78 runs with Ming, chipped in with a run a ball 24, including four fours, before also retiring his bat.

Gary Brangman, Gregory “Brutus” Foggo and Eugene Foggo took one wicket each.

Earlier, St George’s captain Dean Minors struck a whirlwind 40 from 32 balls that included four fours and three sixes.

Herbie Bascome, who shared in a 42-run partnership with Minors, scored 20 from 21 balls, with two fours and six, Charlie Marshall 21 from 18 balls with four fours and Brangman 15 from 17 balls with a four and a six as St George’s closed their innings on 139 for seven after electing to bat.

Opening bowler Kyle Lightbourne led the Somerset attack with two for 14 that included a maiden wicket. The left-arm seamer made life uncomfortable for the batsman bowling down a good line and length on a pitch offering both bounce and lateral movement.

Third change bowler Jacobi Robinson also put in a good shift on the way to figures of two for 22.

Wendell White, Jones and captain Janeiro Tucker claimed one wicket each.

“I thought Baldy batted well and Kyle bowled well and that’s what those guys do,” Tucker said. “They are veterans and know how to do it on a consistent basis, even with age.

“This was all for the fans and I thought that everybody had a good time.

“Everybody came out to see the legends of the past come play. I thought it was good match.”

Minors added: “It was a good game and a fun time. Many of the guys have fond memories coming out in the middle and just the banter and everything was awesome. It was a good start to a good weekend.

“Unfortunately we had many players with injuries and it was short notice for many of them.

“But this was really, really good and I want to thank Somerset for putting on a showcase like this.”