IN their opening pre-season friendly match at the Cooper Associates County Ground, Somerset were beaten by Glamorgan by seven wickets.

A century from Tom Banton on day one of the two-day match was the pick of the bunch in terms of batting performances, while Jack Brooks and Tom Abell both took three wickets in the first innings.

Somerset had very much the better of the opening day and after winning the toss and electing to bat, Somerset openers Ben Green and Tom Lammonby made a solid start and reached their 50 partnership in the 15th over.

The score had reached 60 when Green was bowled by van der Gugten for for 30.

After the interval, Lammonby was trapped lbw by McIlroy for 40 but Banton and James Hildreth took the hosts to three figures in the 39th over before Banton reached his 50 from 91 balls.

The Somerset pair shared a century stand and took their side past the 200-mark, but Hildreth fell for 31with the score at 201 for four.

Shortly thereafter, Banton reached three figures from 124 balls, and at the tea interval Somerset were 223 for four with Banton unbeaten on 106 and Lewis Goldsworthy on nine not out.

Glamorgan came out to bat after the break, at which point the home bowlers really took control.

Jack Brooks looked like he has returned to pre-injury form and Tom Abell was also bowling well.

Somerset County Gazette: Tom Lammonby Pic: SCCC

Both teams enjoyed a good period of time in the middle on the final day of this two-day pre-season match at the Cooper Associates County Ground.

The second day of this match seemed to serve as even more good practise for both sides going into the season ahead.

At the end of the game, Somerset head coach, Jason Kerr was pleased.

"Pre-season is about getting your skills ready for the first game of the season,” he said.

“I thought the guys batted beautifully and we were excellent with the new ball.

“I feel like we are building really well towards that first game at the Ageas, but we’ve got six more days of opportunities on the field before that.

"What’s really exciting is that we have genuine competition for places and that’s driving the standards up all the time.”