Justin Langer praised the fighting spirit of his Somerset team after the LV County Championship match with Hampshire at Taunton ended in a draw.

The visitors made no attempt to attack the target of 422 to win off a minimum of 82 overs set when Langer declared Somerset's second innings at 654-6. Zander de Bruyn was out for 98 and Peter Trego finished unbeaten on 84.

Hampshire were 198-1 when stumps were drawn at 5pm, with opener Michael Brown 104 not out.

After the close Justin told somersetcountycc.co.uk: "I'm never totally happy with a draw, but I was very pleased with the character we showed in fighting back from 23-6 in our first innings.

"We took a risk using a pitch that was a bit damp and it backfired when we lost the toss. But we battled hard to get back into the game.

"I thought it was a good declaration, but the pitch went very flat and Hampshire never made any positive move to go for the runs.

"I always enjoy batting with Marcus Trescothick so it was good to share a big second innings partnershire with him and get my season up and running.

"I never worry too much about my form because runs come sooner or later. We have made a solid start in the Championship, but it's a bit frustrating because we got into good positions in both games."

Hampshire were carrying an injury to Nic Pothas and appeared happy with a draw, which gave them 11 points to Somerset's seven.

The home side began the day on 559-5, with a lead of 326. Trego and de Bruyn soon made their intentions clear with some aggressive shots and took their sixth-wicket stand to 111.

But just as de Bruyn looked set to reach three figures he fell lbw playing across the line to Sean Ervine.The South African Kolpak signing had hit 10 fours in his 169-ball innings.

Trego enjoyed himself, taking his boundary count to 9 fours and 3 sixes before the declaration came shortly before midday.

The rest of the pre-lunch session gave an indication of what would follow as Brown and Jimmy Adams cautiously put 31 runs on the board from 15 overs.

From then on the result was never in doubt as the sun poured down on a now docile batting wicket.

Leg-spinner Michael Munday broke through with the total on 99 when Adams was caught by Marcus Trescothick at slip for 49.

But Brown made no further errors, reaching his ton off 231 balls, with 13 fours. John Crawley proved a solid partner and ended unbeaten on 24.

Langer brought himself and Neil Edwards on to bowl the last two overs before stumps were drawn at 5pm.

It was a disappointing end to what had been a good game for three days.

Back to home page