Unbelievable Tom Banton goes to 344 no and sets a new record first class score for a Somerset batsman. An absolute privilege to watch that. He was dropped twice in the 300’s too! Somerset 637-6 at stumps, lead by 483.
It would be nice to remove an injured tail-ender in these final four overs, just to round off the day.
Early breakthrough for Craig Overton, getting Gareth Roderick absolutely plumb. Worcs 16-1, chasing 516 to make Somerset bat again after they declared on 670-7 on Banton’s dismissal for a magnificent 371.
Not a great session. Very bad drop by Prest. But at least they've only added five more runs since then - so far.
Solid start to the season. We'll need to improve if we're going to challenge for the title - but fortunately we usually do improve. Our problems in recent years have been our slow starts, which makes this result a very positive one. The big challenge comes next...
I think what pleased me is all the bowlers contributed at different times. Abbott and Dawson did most of the damage in the first innings, Wheal took 4 in the 2nd innings and Baker broke the key partnership yesterday.
Yes, a good win. Hampton was a little underwhelming, I get the impression that Edwards would have been a stronger signing but there's nothing we can do about that now. Baker was good, as long as he doesn't get too carried away with banging it in short. I thought Wheal's time had come and gone, he's certainly had his fair share of chances in the past but he looked good in pre-season and he did well here to be fair to him. He didn't get a particularly big score but Stoneman looked nice and solid alongside Middleton at the top of the order.
Fair play to Worcs for making Somerset work for the win. They've only lost the nighwatchman so far today. They should still win but would put a bit of a dampner on Banton's incredible innings if Somerset failed to do so....
Definitely. I’m guessing the pitch hasn’t worn quite as much as Leach might have hoped. There are footmarks, but no cracks in front of the stumps. Leach and Vaughan are getting the odd one to turn, but Worcs are digging in well, especially Brett D’Oliviera.
