Matt Wood named as new 'Hero of the week'

The new Somerset `Hero of the Week' is Matthew Wood, who scored a century in each innings of the championship match against Surrey at the County Ground last week. Congratulations to Matt on scoring his two hundreds, and also on being named as the new hero.

Chief executive Peter Anderson and coach Kevin Shine were unanimous about their choice of the new hero.

Mr Anderson told me: "It has to be Matthew Wood as the new hero. It's so nice to see a young player come through the ranks and grab his chance when it comes along at first class level."

Kevin Shine told me: "After his two hundreds against Surrey last week, there can only be one choice for the new hero, and that is Matthew Wood. He is a very talented young player."

Matthew, who hails from Exmouth in Devon, has been on the Somerset scene for a number of years, and made his second eleven debut when he was just sixteen. He made his first team debut in June 2001 against Yorkshire at Bath scoring 71 in his first innings for the county.

Later in 2001 Matthew scored his maiden first class century when he made 122 against Northamptonshire at Taunton.

This season Matt made a quiet start, but over the last few innings has looked better and better each time that he has gone out to bat. He has also become a regular member of the one day side, where he has made some very useful contributions.

I caught up with Matt just before he set off on the long journey to Scarborough, when he gave me the following answers to the Thomas and George's hero questions.

Q1 What sports do you enjoy, apart from cricket?
A I enjoy playing both golf and football. I have a golf handicap of sixteen, which is about right, I'm not a bandit like Blackie and Bully! I play football, but because I have been out to Australia for the last couple of winters I don't have a regular team. I support Liverpool.

Q2 Who was your idol when you were young?
A Locally my hero was Nick Folland who played for Somerset but also played for Exmouth where my Dad played. He influenced me a lot. Nationally I suppose my idols were Brian Lara and Sachin Tendulkar.

Q3 Who is your favourite pop star or band?
A I don't really have a favourite.

Q4 What do you do in your spare time?
A I relax in any spare time that I get. I enjoy going out with my friends, playing golf, and watching all sports.

Q5 Where did you go to school, and when did you start to play cricket?
A I went to school at St Joseph's Primary in Exmouth and then onto Exmouth Community College. I started to play cricket when I was about six years old, with my Dad, who played for Exmouth at that time. He is still very involved with the club.

Q6 What is your favourite food?
A I enjoy eating anything apart from Chinese.

Q7 How much training do you do every week, are there any special exercises?
A Off season I train nearly every day, but during the season I train on days that we are not playing.

Q8 What has been your most memorable match for Somerset?
A After my two hundreds last week's against Surrey last week, that has to be my most memorable match for Somerset, so far!

Q9 Apart from the County Ground at Taunton, which is your favourite cricket ground and why?
A I don't really have another favourite ground, apart from here at Taunton, where I have scored all three of my first class centuries.

Q10 What are your cricketing ambitions?
A My cricketing ambition is to play cricket at the highest level that I possibly can.

Thank you very much Matt for the answers to our questions.I'm sure that everybody who has watched your career develop over the years is delighted at your success and offer their congratulations to you on scoring two centuries against Surrey.