Skipper Darren Bicknell led Notts to a comfortable three-wicket win at Taunton to maintain their challenge at the top of Norwich Union League.

Bicknell hit a stylish 79 and Paul Johnson 67 as the Outlaws passed Somerset's total of 248-8 with an over to spare.

For the Sabres it was a fifth defeat in eight games and they are looking at the prospect of a relegation battle, having only just survived in the First Division last season.

Peter Bowler had given them hope by making 98 off 101 balls after the home side had won the toss in excellent batting conditions.

Bowler hit two sixes and ten fours, but lacked support as the other leading Somerset batsmen contrived ways of getting out, having made a start.

Even so, it looked a testing target for Notts, who raced away, scoring 92 off their first 15 overs, despite the early loss of Kevin Pietersen and Greg Blewett.

Bicknell and Johnson put on 111 for the third wicket in rapid time before Bicknell was controversially adjudged run-out by stand-in square-leg umpire Peter Robinson, called in after David Shepherd hobbled off with a calf injury.

There was an eye-catching contribution of 31 from talented teenager Bilal Shafayat, who together with Johnson, ensured the setback of losing Bicknell did not alter the course of the game.

It was never an easy day for the bowlers and Notts' South African left-arm seamer Greg Smith proved the most economical, conceding only 30 from his nine overs.

He bowled with an accuracy and change of pace Somerset's ragged attack could never match.

© CricInfo