Bowler Alfonso Thomas praises Somerset resolve

Thomas took two wickets in their win over Essex on Monday

Somerset bowler Alfonso Thomas says his side showed great character to bounce back from their T20 finals defeat to beat Essex in the CB40.

They failed to go all the way in Saturday's final at Edgbaston but their 40-run victory on Monday confirmed their place in the CB40 semi-finals.

"It was a massive effort from the boys," Thomas told BBC Somerset.

"We lost Marcus [Trescothick], Nick Compton, and the two wicketkeepers so we've showed massive character."

He added: "After the disappointment of Saturday it's a fantastic achievement.

"We had a chat after the game on Saturday and we all challenged ourself by saying, 'let's go and try and do something to take this club forward'."

As well as having to overcome the disappointment of losing their third final in as many seasons, Somerset have been hit by injuries to Trescothick, who suffered an ankle injury, and Compton, who has torn a muscle in his side.

And with Jos Buttler and Craig Kieswetter on England duty, Somerset were looking short on numbers until they handed a surprise call-up to former Gloucestershire wicketkeeper Steve Snell.

The 28-year-old, who has been playing club cricket since his release from Gloucestershire last season, scored 18 not out in Somerset's 251-5 and followed that up with two catches as Essex were bowled out for 211.

"It's been a very random couple of days," said Snell.

"I got the call from Brian Rose asking if I was available and I said I'd have to get back to him as I'd been in hospital for three days with an infection.

"But I patched myself up and got down the ground for a fitness test and it seemed OK so I just went for it.

"I was desperate to play in a competitive game of cricket so it's great for me.

"I've showcased I can still play and do it at a good level for a team that are winning."

And Snell added that he would like to deputise again in the future.

"Of course Jos and Craig are going to play when they are available, but if they need someone to fill a gap I'm more than happy to do so."