IN recent years one thing that has frustrated Surrey managers, and has also been picked up on by the press, has been the standard of Surrey's fielding.

Let's just say it could have been better. But this summer it has undergone a transformation. Some of the catches that went to hand on what turned out to be the final day against Northants last week were simply top drawer.

Andre Nel, who, for me, is the heartbeat of team, followed up the key wicket of Stephen Peters with two stunning slip catches off Stuart Meaker.

The one to dismiss Alex Wakely wasn't just high and to Nel's right. It was also travelling.

On another day Tom Lancefield's catch low down at point, or even Usman Afzaal's brilliant effort in covering 20 yards to see the back of James Middlebrook, would have made the following day's match reports in the national papers. But it was fitting that Surrey's most dominant display in four-day cricket for four years ended with Mark Ramprakash claiming the winning catch at mid-on, given that his 248 had set-up the innings victory.

Unfortunately, the euphoria of Surrey's third win in four Championship matches dissipated when they came up against Somerset in the Clydesdale Bank 40 last Sunday.

With the admission price for children being slashed to one pound, there was a decent sized crowd.

Sadly, due to Marcus Trescothick teeing off with 69 from 47 balls, they saw the Lions on the back foot throughout. Nevertheless, Matthew Spriegel followed up the hundred he made against Northants with a valiant 53.

With teenagers like Lancefield and Roy breaking into the side, even "old-uns" like the 23-year-old Spriegel have to respond.