Pace bowler Jamie Grove, released by Essex two weeks ago, has been snapped up by Somerset.

The 20-year-old former England Under-19 and Colchester and East Essex right-armer has signed a new two-year contract with the West Country club, starting from next April.

Grove, who lives in Bury St Edmunds, said today: "I can't wait for next April to come - the move is so exciting. Everything has happened so quickly and I can't wait to get started.

"Somerset coach Dermot Reeve was on the phone to me within half-an-hour of the county hearing of my release.

"Reeve was clearly impressed by what he had seen in me and he invited me along to train with Somerset before the recent NatWest Trophy final at Lord's against Gloucestershire.

"I have already played a second XI match for Somerset after they had seen me take six wickets for Essex against them earlier in the season."

Grove added: "Although it was a big shock to be released by Essex I have no regrets.

"It is brilliant that Somerset have given me a two-year deal. Dermot has told me to carry on doing what I have been doing and the prospect of bowling at the other end to England Test man Andy Caddick is mouthwatering."

Grove, who had been with Essex since he was 14, made his Championship debut against Surrey at Chelmsford in June last year when he claimed the wickets of England pair Adam and Ben Hollioake.

He was also a member of the England Under-19 squad that won the World Youth Cup in South Africa.

Essex failed in their early attempts to separate the Worcestershire openers after the visitors had won the toss in the Championship match at Chelmsford today.

During the first 12 overs, the home county used Ronni Irani, David Thompson and Ashley Cowan - but to no avail. Elliott Wilson and Ryan Driver had hardly an anxious moment as they gathered 28 runs

Essex went into the game needing a victory to lift them into the top half of the championship table and kept faith with the team thrashed by Sussex last week.

Converted for the new archive on 19 November 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.