Simon Walker had hoped the Rebels would progress (Pic: Mike Manning)

Somerset Rebels have failed to qualify for the Premier Trophy semi-finals after finishing second in their group.

Reading also finished on 10 points but topped the group on points difference after losing at the Isle of Wight by less than 22 points on Tuesday.

"It's gutting to get that close only to be denied at the last," said Somerset Rebels captain Simon Walker.

"We matched Reading, a team that many tipped to be in the hunt during the group stages."

He added: "The only difference was our respective matches at the Isle of Wight."