Seconds rescued by lower order runs in Somerset clash

GLOUCESTERSHIRE’S second XI were rescued by their lower order in the four-day game with Somerset at Taunton Vale CC.

Ned Leonard removed Benny Howell with the first ball of the match and when Jack Taylor and Miles Hammond also fell to him, the county were reeling on 23 for three.

Graeme van Buuren fell to Ari Karvelas before Leonard and wicketkeeper James Rew combined for the fourth time to remove George Scott, making it 74 for five, Rew having taken five catches.

Leonard collected his fifth wicket as play ended early with the score at 90 for six.

A seventh wicket stand of 66 between Will Naish and Max Trotman took the county to 144 before the latter was out for 44.

Rew took his seventh catch of the innings to remove Naish for 43 but Harry Hankins (68) and George Barlow (34) shared a stand of 91 for the ninth wicket as Gloucestershire were all out for 268.

Somerset fell to 34 for four as Jared Warner took two wickets and Scott one but Ben Green and Rew put on 113 before Green fell for 74 to Naish in the 52nd over.

By the close of day two, the hosts reached 197 for five with Rew unbeaten on 70.