'That was an exciting batting display' says Shine as Bryant hits unbeaten century

Somerset ended the first day of their match against Loughborough UCCE in a commanding position, with the students 79 for 1 in reply to the Cidermen's 413 for 3 declared.

After winning the toss openers Peter Bowler and Piran Holloway put on 58 before Bowler was out for 21.

Holloway was then joined by his skipper Mike Burns who quickly got the scoreboard moving along. The second wicket pair brought the hundred up and Burns gave an impressive display of attacking strokes, including one big six that broke a tile on the roof of the Ian Botham Stand, before he was out for 83, after helping to add 130.

Shortly after lunch, with the score on 224 Holloway was dismissed for 96, four runs short of what would have been a thoroughly deserved century, which brought James Bryant in to join Jamie Cox.

Together the pair added 189 in quick time, with Bryant in particular punishing the student attack. By the time Somerset declared at 4.55pm with the score on 413 for 3,Bryant was unbeaten on 109, which came from 124 balls and included 5 x 6's and 12 x 4's, whilst Cox, playing his first match for more than a month was equally impressive ending on 88, which included 13 x 4's and 1 x 6.

Richard Johnson made an early breakthrough for Somerset when he bowled Rob White with the score on 10, but the students held out without further loss to end the day on 79 for 1.

After the close of play Somerset coach Kevin Shine told me: "That was a very, very exciting batting display out there today especially when you think of those who were not playing, it really is a mouth watering prospect. James Bryant scored a wonderful ton and has comeback to England and hit form."

He continued: "Then we ran in and bowled well at the end, and I was disappointed that we didn't take more wickets. However we're not going to get carried away by what has happened, but I was not unhappy about anything that has happened today."