[Ska'dForLife-WBA]

Bob Willis Trophy, Central Group

vs Somerset

Day One

Morning: Somerset won the toss and elected to bat on a pleasant September Sunday at New Road with the wicket showing a tinge of greenness. Despite extravagant movement from the new ball, with the skipper beating the bat frequently and a raft of unsuccessful LBW appeals, the Pears got no reward until Tom Lammonby set off for a risky single and his partner Ben Green was beaten by a direct hit from Ed Barnard, running the opener out for 8. But despite a couple more edges and streaky shots, Somerset had the better of the session as they reached lunch without further loss on 81-1.

Afternoon: With Worcestershire desperate for a breakthrough, Dillon Pennington stepped up to the mark and bowled Lammonby for 28 via an inside edge to open the door. George Bartlett then perished the same way for 18 off the bowling of Josh Tongue, before Pennington found the outside edge of Tom Abell to have the Somerset skipper caught behind for 59. With the cat very much among the pigeons, Brett D'Oliveira found turn from the pitch to bowl Steve Davis through the gate for 9, and Ed Barnard got in on the action as he swung one away from Craig Overton, who edged to second slip for 1. At that point, Lewis Gregory counter-attacked very effectively with some big shots, and tea was taken with the game even stevens at 177-6.

Evening: Just when it looked like the seventh-wicket partnership was carrying the visitors toward a formidable score, Dolly tempted Gregory into a big flashing drive that flew straight to short third man for 37. Eddie Byrom departed shortly after, attempting to cut Pennington and being caught at point for 30, but the aggressive tail continue to wag for Somerset, who achieved a couple of batting points before Josh Davey pulled Barnard to square leg for 28, giving the Shropshireman his 200th first-class wicket, which he promptly added to by trapping Jack Leach LBW for 21, wrapping up the innings on 251. The Worcestershire openers were then obliged to face a five-over spell before close of play, but safely reached stumps on 14-0 at close, trailing by 237. The first hour tomorrow will be crucial, as the new ball has the potential to destroy the Pears top order, and with the prospect of Jack Leach bowling in the final innings on a wicket that's already turning, it's vital that Worcs get runs on the board in this first knock.