Somerset, 202 all out & 255-9, lead Worcestershire 179 all out by 278 runs.
Is there anything more gratifying to the good folk of Somerset than an early-season James Hildreth century? It wasn’t flawless mind you. Dropped twice again (as he had been in the first innings), the first occasion before he had scored, Hildy remained unbeaten on “Nelson” when Somerset ended the day 278 runs ahead.
Matt Renshaw could not repeat his heroics of the first day, departing for just 7 but Somerset’s second innings showed more depth than their first with Tres 43, Abell 27 and Craig Overton 22 all supporting Hildreth admirably, although none could go on to put the game totally out of reach for the visitors.
It could have been a more gettable target though had it not been for the lower-order stubbornness of Davey, Leach and Groenewald who combined for 27 of the 49 runs the last three wickets added alongside Hildreth.
Ed Barnard was again the pick of the Worcestershire bowlers. His 6-37 backing up his five first-innings wickets.
While the day ended with a strong position for Somerset, it had begun with worrying news. Jamie Overton was, we were told, sent for a scan on his injured rib with real concern that it was a more serious injury.
