Somerset Seconds ended the first day of their Championship match against Northamptonshire at Taunton in a strong position thanks to a century from Wes Durston.

The visitors won the toss and somewhat surprisingly elected to field, a decision which seemed to be justified when Somerset slipped to 102 for four.

At this stage Durston came in to join Michael Coles and between them they added 103 for the fifth wicket before Coles was out for 56. Coles, who plays club cricket for Bridgwater, is in a good run of form; this was the third time he has exceeded fifty in three innings.

Durston was then joined by James Knott and together they added 150 runs for the sixth wicket. Eventually Knott was out for 51, and Durston was out for 142, made from 179 balls in just over three hours, before Somerset declared on 384 for nine.

When the visitors batted they lost an early wicket, but in the 14 overs before close of play they reached 40 for one.

The game continues on Thursday and Friday.

© Somerset CCC