Glamorgan openers hit back against Somerset

Peter Bowler and Ian Blackwell hit centuries as Somerset ran up their highest ever score against Glamorgan on the second day at Taunton.

The hosts declared on their tea score of 600-8 and led by 431 on first innings, with Bowler having contributed 164 and Blackwell 102. Together they added 163 for the fifth-wicket.

But if Somerset thought an easy victory inside three days was on the cards, Steve James and Jimmy Maher had other ideas. They also revelled on a superb batting pitch to post 152 without loss off just 31 overs in Glamorgan's second innings, leaving them trailing by 279 at the close.

Maher was unbeaten on 82, having reached his half-century off 62 balls, with nine fours. James took one less delivery to get to fifty, having struck eight fours, and was 63 not out at stumps.

Earlier, Somerset had built confidently on their overnight score of 246-3, with Bowler and Blackwell dominant. Half-centuries from Mark Lathwell and Keith Dutch added to Glamorgan's misery as their first innings total of 169 was made to look painfully inadequate.

Bowler batted for six minutes short of six hours, facing 278 balls and hitting 22 fours and a six. It was the 42nd first-class hundred for the seasoned performer, who celebrates his 38th birthday on Monday.

Blackwell gave several chances in reaching three figures off 110 deliveries, with 15 fours and two sixes. But it was another powerful effort from the former Derbyshire player, who is enjoying an excellent season with the bat.

After the two centurions had fallen to Robert Croft and Darren Thomas, a rapid stand of 84 between Dutch (70 not out) and Richard Johnson twisted the knife.