Head coach Jason Kerr remains bullish that Somerset will challenge strongly for a first ever County Championship title again this summer.
Gloucestershire counterpart Dale Benkenstein is equally adamant that First Division survival would represent progress at his club and provide an important foundation for future success in red-ball cricket.
What’s certain is that, after a disappointing start to the campaign by both counties, the first West Country derby of the season, starting in Bristol on Thursday, carries added significance.
