Somerset have won the Channel League for the second successive year after an amazing final match between Gloucestershire and Gwent at Minchinhampton.

Somerset led the league exactly two months earlier when they beat Gwent in their sixth and final match at Mendip - and then had to sit back and wait for the remaining fixtures to be played.

It all came down to the final match and was decided on points' difference in the closest finale on record.

Gloucestershire had to beat Gwent 12-3, the Welsh side could afford to lose 9.5-5.5 and still take the trophy.

Somerset's only chance was if Gloucestershire won 10.5-4.5 - and that is precisely what happened.

They won the league by the narrowest margin - just one half point - in a three-way tie at the top.

All three counties gained four points from their six outings.

Captain Shaun Palmer from Wells was ecstatic. He said: "We kept in touch all day and when Gloucester were 5-0 up after the foursomes and then won the first four singles it looked as though they would pip us.

"In the end their captain phoned to congratulate us. It's been an unbelievable two-year spell for me.

"We've played well all year. The highlight was beating Gloucestershire 10-5 at Broadway. I'm gobsmacked. We have only lost one League match in two years.

"I have spoken to all the players and the two coaches Adrian Bishop (Wells) and Jon Cowgill (Farrington) who have done so much.

"The policy of bringing in the young players is paying off. We also won the Junior League and are all set for an even brighter future."

"Bradley Whittock (Saltford) is going to be great captain in our centenary year and he has got the South West title to go for next year. That was all that eluded us."