Somerset ended the first day of their championship relegation battle against Hampshire at the Rose Bowl just about in front, after a day in which they were once again indebted to their middle order batsmen.

In the Somerset side Piran Holloway replaced Peter Bowler who is unwell, and quick bowler Simon Francis was given the opportunity to play against his former county when he was preferred to Keith Dutch after it was decided that the wicket would favour the quicker bowlers.

After winning the toss and slipping to 105 for 5, the Cidermen were rescued by a sixth wicket stand of 99 between Keith Parsons(51) and Rob Turner (57).

Later in the innings Turner was involved in another partnership with Richard Johnson, who smashed his way to being the highest scorer for Somerset, making 61 from 37 balls, before they were all out for 278, just before the end of the day.

The Hampshire opening pair survived the last five overs and had taken the score onto 15 without loss at the close of play.

At the end of the day Somerset coach Kevin Shine told me: "It's been a good day for us and I have been very pleased with the way that things have gone. After losing five wickets for just over a hundred things didn't look so good, but Keith Parsons and Rob Turner, and then a great knock from `Johnno' rescued us."

He continued: "The wicket has done a little bit all day and at the end we bowled well in the last five overs.In the morning we will be looking to get amongst them and take some early wickets."

© Somerset CCC