SOMERSET will count themselves slightly fortunate to have escaped from their rain affected championship match against Sussex with a draw from which they take seven points.

After winning the toss and opting to bat first Somerset had moved onto 175 for three by the end of the first day, which saw only 51 overs bowled, Marcus Trescothick unbeaten on 89.

On the second morning the skipper brought up his century before being sixth wicket to fall with the total on 241 having scored 123, including 20 fours.

The innings then capitulated to the bowling of Monty Panesar who ended with seven for 60 as the hosts were all out for 247.

Chasing 164 for victory Sussex went into the final day on 31 without loss, but the rain limited play to 24.3 overs and the visitors ended on 115 for five, 49 runs short of their target.

Trescothick said afterwards: “There have been some good things that we can take out of this result, but I think we will be a little bit disappointed about how we batted.”