SOMERSET star Tom Banton fired a rapid century to help Taunton St Andrew's earn their place in the 2019 Baker Cup final with victory over North Petherton on Wednesday night.

The Saints batted first at Taunton Vale and Banton flew to his ton inside the opening 10 overs, at which point Banton had 100 of St Andrew's 122-2.

He fell shortly afterwards but Lloyd Alley's late cameo helped the Saints post 191.

Pethy's openers added 42 for the opening wicket when James Hayman struck, and six wickets for Luke Poole ensured North Petherton finished 35 runs short after a valiant chase.

The Saints, beaten finalists last year, will now play Taunton in the final at the Cooper Associates County Ground on Monday, July 22.

That match could pit Banton up against his county captain Tom Abell, whose half century helpedΒ Taunton beat Ilminster in Monday night's first semi-final.