SOMERSET coach Andy Hurry believes his side are on course for a successful season after some impressive displays on their tour to the United Arab Emirates.

Somerset won three of their four 50-over matches in the Pro-Arch Trophy, defeating Essex, Sussex and the UAE before losing to Yorkshire in their final game on Tuesday.

Hurry was delighted with team and individual performances and the progress of Andy Caddick and Ben Phillips who are working their way back to fitness, although veteran paceman Caddick did not take part in games.

He said: "Our aim was to win the trophy and we came pretty close.

"The squad have all contributed well and this was a great way to spend the first phase of our pre-season preparations.

"We have sent a clear message to all teams of what we are capable of. We are not just making up the numbers in Division One of the County Championship or the one-day competitions.

"Despite the result against Yorkshire it has been a very worthwhile exercise.

"James Hildreth has impressed with the bat as has Pete Trego and Carl Gazzard who has opened the innings well.

"The added bonus has been the development of Ben Phillips and Andy Caddick. Caddick has benefited from the heat allowing him to run in and bowl everyday and Phillips has impressed with both bat and ball.

"Now we are all looking forward to getting home and then reporting back on Monday for the next phase of our pre-season programme."

After victories over Essex and the UAE, Somerset beat County Champions Sussex by four wickets with impressive displays from Steffan Jones (5-33) and Pete Trego (94). Chasing Yorkshire's 264-5 in the final game, Somerset lost wickets at regular intervals and were eventually bowled out for 213 despite 55 from Omari Banks.

Somerset play their first one-day friendly on home soil when they take on Cardiff UCCE at the County Ground in Taunton on Friday, April 4.