Somerset CC 242 for eight; St.George’s CC 96 for five

Janeiro Tucker surpassed Albert Steede as Somerset’s highest all-time run getter in Cup Match before going onto become the first West End batsman and fourth overall to score 1,000 runs in the annual classic.

The 33 -year old all-rounder lofted spinner Delyone Borden out of the grounds in the 27th over to move ahead of former Somerset skipper Steede and six overs later swept Borden down the fine leg boundary for four to add to an already illustrious Cup Match legacy.

Tucker slammed six fours and five sixes on the way to a swashbuckling 75 off

83 balls in 111 minutes.

After playing himself in the veteran cricketer put is foot on the gas and raced to a second straight Cup Match half century off 57 balls in 71 minutes.

Apart from a top edge that landed safely in the vacant square leg region, Tucker was in full command at the crease, and seemingly on course for a third Cup Match ton.

But shortly after pulling up with leg cramp, Tucker went for one big hit too many and was taken by Clay Smith at mid on off seamer Ryan Steede.

Others managing good starts were colt Chris Douglas (33) and recall Sammy Robinson (40) at the top of the order, while colt Ricardo Brangman added 22 lower down the order before the challengers declared their innings at tea.

Steede led the St.George’s bowling with four for 70 but he struggled with his run up and was called for 14 no balls.

Left arm seamer Gregg Foggo and off spinner Borden took two for 63 and two for 69 respectively.

Led by a fiery spell from fast bowler Malachi Jones, Somerset placed themselves firmly in the driver’s seat at close of play with St.George’s fighting off the ropes at 96 for five still 46 runs shy of avoiding the follow-on.

Jones grabbed three for 20 off 11 overs and accounted for the big scalps of Glenn Blakeney (10) and openers Jason Anderson (three) and Borden (two) who both went cheaply.

Colt Jordan DeSilva opened his Cup Match account in memorable fashion when he pushed back Clay Smith’s (10) off-stump.

At the crease is St.George’s skipper Lionel Cann (27) and Charlie Marshall

(28) who have added 46 runs for the sixth-wicket partnership and will look to build on that foundation when play resumes tomorrow morning at 10 a.m.

One hour and 50 minutes of play were lost to rain during the first session which saw Somerset go to lunch at 47 for one after 13 overs.