Somerset find themselves in even deeper relegation trouble in Division One of the County Championship after they slumped to a 336 run defeat at the hands of fellow strugglers Lancashire at Blackpool today.

Resuming on their overnight score of 21 for 1 the Cidermen were bowled out this morning for 71 in less than 31 overs, their lowest championship score of the season.

This afternoon Somerset coach Kevin Shine told me: "This has been a very very disappointing day for us, and I think that this means that we now need at least two good wins and a good draw from our remaining fixtures to have a chance of surviving in the top division."

He continued: "We are driving down to London this afternoon, and will check into our hotel a day early and will try to relax ahead of Saturday's big match. Tomorrow morning we will be having nets at Lord's at ten o'clock."

The coach concluded before heading for London: "What we have to do now is to remind ourselves that we haven't been beaten in the Cheltenham and Gloucester trophy for two years."

When questioned about the make up of the side for the final the coach told me: "We will be taking a squad of fourteen to Lord's and will not make a final decision about who plays until the morning of the match."

© SOMERSET