After seeing his bowlers remove three Essex batsmen cheaply in reply to his teams total of 419 before rain halted play early, Somerset skipper Jamie Cox said, "It's been an excellent day's play for us with lots of runs on the board. After getting those early wickets its a shame that we didn't get a full final session."

With regard to the seventh wicket stand of 222 between by Rob Turner and Keith Dutch he said," It was fabulous and we would hope that it proves to be a macth winning partnership. Hats off to them both,they went in when we were struggling and have taken us to very strong position."

Looking forward to Friday he commented, "Hopefully we will get a full days play, and the ball swings as it did today for our bowlers. Our goal is to win this match."

Somerset Coach Kevin Shine was equally enthusiastic about the second days play and was quick to praise his bowlers, "It was a fine penetrative display by Richard Johnson and Steffan Jones. We were unlucky not to take more wickets," and concluded, "we're now in a very strong position and will hopefully win the match."

All rounder Keith Dutch was also full of smiles at close of play after he had scored his maiden first class century. "I'm very pleased to get my first century after coming so close at Northampton a couple of weeks ago. It was nice to get to my hundred, and to share in the partnership with Rob."

© SOMERSET