Langer is already eyeing 2009 title
Somerset finished fourth in Divison One after their eight-wicket defeat to Lancashire on Saturday was coupled with a Hampshire victory over Nottinghamshire that ensured Durham celebrated a first title just 16 years after their maiden first-class match.
The 117-year wait goes on at Taunton but the skipper believes justice was done.
Langer said: “It was a very disappointing last game – there’s no doubt about that but if we are really honest with ourselves – and it is important to do that – finishing third or fourth is probably where we deserve to finish up.
“A quarter-final in the Friends Provident, middle of the road Twenty20 and Pro40 is where we deserve to be. In one sense we could have stolen the Championship this weekend but when you only win three games in the year you probably don’t deserve to win it.
“We are taking steps forward from the last two years but we need to be more committed in everything we do and if we do that then there is no reason why we can’t win it next year.”
Langer insisted he was happy with his decision not to bowl Andrew Caddick and Charl Willoughby on the second morning when Lancashire were 56-4 with a nightwatchman in replying to Somerset’s 202. The visitors went on to score 248.
He said: “I know there was a lot made of that but if you look we lost by eight wickets. It wasn’t as if I was replacing them by two mugs either.
“They bowled quite a few overs the night before and Steffan Jones was absolutely champing at the bit to bowl and he is one of the guys who has taken two five-fors and helped us win two games this year.
“Alfonso Thomas has also taken two five-fors. I have got to have faith in all my bowlers. Would it have made a difference? It is easy for people to criticise with the help of hindsight.”
Somerset missed out by just 16 points in the final analysis.
Before play Somerset’s Kolpak pair, de Bruyn and Thomas, were awarded their county caps. De Bruyn scored 997 first-class runs at an average of 47 while Thomas took 30 wickets at 27 runs apiece.
The end of season dinner saw Marcus Trescothick named player of the year while other awards went to Willoughby (bowler of the year) and Craig Kieswetter (young player).
Thomas received the “champagne moment” prize for his innings against Lancashire that clinched Pro40 League survival.
Comment on this story