Bob Willis Trophy: Abell & Lammonby centuries for Somerset leave Glos big target

Somerset skipper Tom Abell's century was his seventh in first-class cricket

Tom Abell and Tom Lammonby hit unbeaten centuries as Somerset set Gloucestershire an unlikely victory target of 385 on the second day of the Bob Willis Trophy match at Taunton.

A day totally dominated by the home side saw Gloucestershire bowled out for 76 from an overnight 13-4, to trail by 161, as Craig Overton claimed 4-25 and Josh Davey three for 21.

Skipper Abell and Lammonby then both finished 101 not out after an unbroken second-wicket stand of 211 had guided their side to 223-1 before declaring, aware of the forecast of rain on the final two days.

It was 20-year-old Lammonby's maiden first-class century to follow his maiden first-class wicket in Gloucestershire's first innings.

The visitors were left with a tricky eight overs to negotiate, losing Ben Charlesworth, Chris Dent and Tom Lace before closing on 14-3.

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Davey made the first breakthrough during the morning when nightwatchman Matt Taylor was caught at point for 12.

Jamie Overton thought he had George Hankins caught behind for six with the score 48-5, but umpire Paul Baldwin disagreed.

Overton crouched with head in hands before unleashing three successive bouncers at the Gloucestershire batsman - and when Hankins edged the final ball of the over to Craig Overton at second slip, Somerset felt justice had been done.

Lace was bowled by Jack Brooks for 21, attempting to drive, Gareth Roderick fell lbw to Craig Overton and George Scott was caught behind off Lammonby's left-arm seam before Ryan Higgins was last out for 15.

Somerset suffered an early setback when Eddie Byrom chipped a catch to mid-wicket off David Payne but, from then on, Lammonby and Abell were in control.

Left-hander Lammonby, who had never scored even a half-century in first-class cricket, moved cautiously to that landmark, off 122 balls.

Abell was first to his ton, with two to third man off Charlesworth - his second hundred of the competition, made off 153 balls.

Lammonby was forced to hit out in a bid to reach three figures before the declaration and did so to great effect, twice clearing the rope, and a pulled four to fine leg off Scott took him to his century off 160 balls.

After one more delivery Abell called a halt and his seamers were soon cutting through Gloucestershire's batting as they had done in the first innings.

Davey had Charlesworth caught behind with a ball that lifted and bowled Lace with the first delivery of the final over after Craig Overton had pinned Dent lbw.

Somerset centurion Tom Lammonby:

"It hasn't really sunk in yet, but I am feeling very happy. I knew we wanted to get Gloucestershire batting so it got to a point where I thought I must play a few shots to reach my hundred in time.

"To his credit, Tom Abell never put pressure on me by saying how many overs I had. He knew it was my first experience of that situation. Thankfully I was able to connect with a few big scoring shots.

"Having Tom at the other end was great because he makes batting look so comfortable. It was nice to pick up my maiden first class wicket too, but I just enjoy watching our bowling attack at the moment.

"I don't foresee me getting too many overs the way Craig and Jamie Overton, Josh Davey and Jack Brooks are performing."

Gloucestershire captain Chris Dent:

"We have come up against one of the best bowling attacks in the country and been found wanting. But it is a fantastic learning experience for our players.

"Somerset have by far the best attack we have faced this season, tall bowlers like the Overtons, who hit the pitch hard, and skilful operators like Davey and Brooks.

"We have to improve if we are to compete strongly in the First Division of the County Championship and games like this teach you so much.

"We haven't performed as we wanted to with bat or ball. But we could see someone play a career-changing innings if they can score runs in such tough circumstances."

Match report supplied by PA Media.