Lancashire inflict innings defeat on Somerset

Piran Holloway and Richard Johnson rescued a modicum of pride for Somerset before they succumbed to an innings defeat by Lancashire at Taunton.

Resuming their second innings on 106-6 after the third-day wash-out, the home side still required 68 runs to make Lancashire bat again. This time there was no assistance from the weather. And when Keith Dutch fell lbw to Peter Martin's loosener without adding to his score of 12, a one-sided opening Championship fixture looked to be heading for a quick finish.

But Holloway can be a gritty competitor in such circumstances. The little left-hander was soon in obdurate mood and found a willing eighth-wicket partner in Johnson as the pair added 55 in 21 overs. Johnson hit 4 fours in his 37 and can reflect on an encouraging Somerset debut, which saw him take five wickets in the Lancashire innings, despite the disappointing result.

Just when it seemed the partnership might spare Somerset the indignity of defeat by an innings, Johnson attempted a forcing shot off Andy Flintoff's first ball of the day and edged to wicketkeeper Warren Hegg. Steffan Jones was soon struck on the helmet by a Martin delivery and then played over the top of a fuller length ball to have his stumps shattered for four.

The game ended with the opening delivery of Flintoff's next over as Holloway lost his leg stump, having made 74 off 197 balls, with 6 fours and a five. Somerset had been bowled out for 170 to lose by an innings and four runs.

Flintoff's remodelled action brought him 2-7 from 5.1 overs, while Martin's two final day victims left him with 3-55 from 21 overs. Lancashire took 19 points and Somerset four.