Somerset in commanding position against Glamorgan

Mike Burns and Peter Bowler batted Somerset into firm control on the opening day against Glamorgan at Taunton.

After the visitors had capitulated to 169 all out against Andy Caddick (5-84) and Richard Johnson (4-33), Somerset raced to 246-3 off 54 overs in reply.

Burns led the way with a blistering 81 off just 66 balls, with 12 fours and a straight six off Robert Croft. Bowler was 63 not out at the close, having reached his fifty off 71 balls, with seven boundaries.

Their stand of 135 in 20 overs took the game away from Glamorgan after the fall in quick succession of Jamie Cox and Marcus Trescothick had left Somerset 58-2.

Mark Lathwell also looked in good touch, making an undefeated 34, and the home side will now be hopeful of maximum batting points to boost their title challenge.

Earlier, Caddick had boosted his confidence, recovering from a poor opening spell at the River End to take 5-61 from 14 overs either side of lunch. He made the ball rise steeply from short of a length at the Old Pavilion End.

Glamorgan looked well placed when opening pair Steve James and Jimmy Maher put together a stand of 59, but the rest of their batsmen struggled.

Maher reached a half-century off 56 balls and went on to score 62 before falling victim to a legside catch from wicket-keeper Rob Turner off Caddick.

Johnson cleaned up the tail after removing James for impressive figures of 4-33.