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Somerset and Hampshire settle for a draw

SCORECARD

Somerset and Hampshire had to settle for a draw on the final day of this rain interrupted Rothesay County Championship Division One match at Utilita Bowl.

Sean Dickson and Tom Abell dug deep to ensure that the visitors claimed a draw after battling back after Hampshire had put themselves in the ascendancy in the early stages of the game.

Dickson ended up unbeaten on 77, and Abell 27, after a 56-run partnership which had wiped out Hampshire’s lead and taken Somerset away from any danger of losing.

Ben Brown’s side took 13 points from the match with Somerset claiming 11.

Hampshire had the ideal start to the day as Tom Lammonby fell in the fifth over of the morning having added two to his overnight score of 22. The left-hander couldn’t control a guide to third after Kyle Abbott had extracted some bounce off a length, and edged to Tom Prest at first slip.

Abbott was the pick of the Hampshire bowlers with his eight morning overs only conceding 12 runs. However, he, nor Brad Wheal, James Fuller, Liam Dawson or Brett Hampton, could do anything to move the steadfast Dickson and Abell.

The duo blocked and left with a clean head while chipping away at Hampshire’s lead.

A Dickson pulled two took the visitors into the lead shortly before rain brought an early lunch.

Light and then heavy rain prevented a restart until after tea, and even then only three and a half overs were possible before bad light suspended proceedings again.

After two sessions had been lost on day one, and early finishes for bad light on the following two days, there was little surprise when hands were shaken on a draw at 5pm.

At the close of play, Somerset Head Coach, Jason Kerr said: “Overall we’re pleased. We’ve played some really good cricket, especially the character after being six down overnight on the first day and then bowling them out on the third day to give us the opportunity to potentially win the game.

“We succumbed to the weather today but it was good to see Dickson, Abell and Lammonby take their opportunity in a pressurised situation. Unfortunately the weather won.

“Sean has played brilliantly over the last two days. We know it is incredibly challenging opening the batting. He and Archie got through two quality bowlers, it is difficult, and looking at the context of the game it was worth more than the runs on the board.

“You are always disappointed because you want to win every game you play, but I am not disappointed with the cricket we are playing. Hopefully, within the next four games of this block we can get a couple of wins.”