Marvellous centuries from Liam Dawson (154), Joe Gatting (134*) and Ben Compton (120) saw Hampshire Second XI secure an impressive draw against Somerset Second XI at Taunton.

Hampshire began brilliantly as an outstanding opening partnership of 298 between Dawson and Compton contributed to posting an imposing total, before an aggressive unbeaten hundred from Gatting helped the score accumulate further to reach 537-3d.

In reply, Gatting (5-64) also made an impact with the ball, as he bowled efficiently to claim a five-wicket hall, however patient centuries from Max Waller (139) Ben Green (103*) saw Somerset reach 399-8 to claim a draw at the close of the allotted two days.

After winning the toss and electing to bat first, the visitors began watchfully with Dawson and Compton cautious amid good bowling from the Somerset opening bowlers.

However, after initially getting their eye-in, both batsman were then quick to capitalise and the partnership continued to grow and both batsman brought up excellent centuries as the score surpassed 200 without loss.

Compton eventually fell to conclude an opening partnership of 298, but the arrival of Gatting added to the home-sides woes as he began to impose himself from the off with an array aggressive stroke-play.

The experienced Dawson also continued to advance the total and he brought up his 150 with Hampshire 338-1, before he too departed.

But Gatting continued to dominate and with some good support from Lewis McManus (56*) who continued his good form with another half-century, Hampshire posted a formidable total.

Somerset began their response with much to do and early wickets coming particularly for Gatting saw the home-side restricted to 145-4, before a 158-run partnership between Waller and Green helped consolidate their batting effort.

The former eventually fell as the hosts recovered to 304-5, and although Hampshire picked up further wickets, Somerset saw out the closing overs to deny Hampshire victory. 

Words: Will Brewster