Somerset well on top at Millfield against Cardiff UCCE

Somerset ended the first day of their three day match against Cardiff UCCE at Millfield Schoo well on top.

After amassing 389 for 9 declared from 84.4 overs the Somerset opening bowlers Steffan Jones and Matt Bulbeck had the students reeling on 11 for 3 at the close of play.

For Somerset there were impressive contributions from young opener Matt Wood who was disappointed to be out for 98, Keith Parsons, who seemed to show no ill effects from his knee operation in scoring 81, and Keith Dutch who hit a merciless 97 just before the declaration came from skipper Mike Burns.

At the end of the day Somerset coach Kevin Shine told me: "It's been a very good day for us, a really good test. The runs we scored our batsmen had to work hard for against their attack that was always able to bowl that good ball. Matt Wood, Keith Dutch and Keith Parsons all batted well for us, and each of them got on with the job well."

The Somerset coach continued: "We've been playing well in the nets, but today we've shown that we can do it out in the middle which is where it counts."

How had he found things at Millfield I asked. "The school has done a wonderful job for us. The facilities here are excellent and we have been made very welcome. The wicket here is as good as any you will find anywhere at this time of the year," the coach told me.

The Cardiff UCCE coach Kevin Lyons said: "It's been a great experience for the students to come and play against Somerset at Millfield where there is such a good pitch and excellent practice facilities."

The match continues at Millfield School at Street at 11 am on Sunday and Monday. Entry is free, there is plenty of parking nearby, and refreshments are available all day.