Somerset ended the first day of their match against table toppers Surrey at The Oval in a strong position.

After winning the toss the 2000 County Champions elected to bat first, a decision that they must have regretted as they saw their first two batsmen back in the pavilion before they had reached double figures.

Andy Caddick was the bowler responsible for the undoing of in form opener Mark Butcher when he was bowled for 4, and the paceman also accounted for Graham Thorpe,Alistair Brown and Alec Stewart before the weather caused the players to leave the pitch in mid afternoon.

When they returned the England bowler and left armer Matt Bulbeck finished off the Surrey innings, and by close of play the Cidermen had reached 10 without loss.

At the end of the day Somerset coach Kevin Shine told me: "I am very happy with the day. It was a great effort from all of the team. We set ourselves a challenge to compete at The Oval this time, and our boys certainly competed out there today. I'm proud of them all."

© SOMERSET