Somerset reached a solid total of 337-9 on the opening day of their Rothesay County Championship Division One clash with Glamorgan at Sophia Gardens, despite a pitch favoring bowlers.
Captain Tom Abell top-scored with 86, while Josh Thomas contributed 71, helping the visitors build a strong platform. Teenage seamer Tom Norton impressed on his first-class debut for Glamorgan, taking 3-75.
The visitors lost early wicket James Rew, who was promoted to opener with potential Test ambitions, for just four runs. However, Thomas and Tom Lammonby (45) steadied the innings with a 133-run partnership.
Glamorgan fought back in the afternoon session, claiming four wickets. Thomas fell to Australian quick Ryan Hadley, and Lammonby was trapped leg before wicket by Norton, sparking celebrations for the debutant’s first scalp.
Abell anchored the innings with a mature knock, reaching his 86 before edging behind off Zain Ul Hassan late in the day. Lewis Gregory (37) also contributed, but Glamorgan struck three times in the final four overs, including two wickets from Hadley, to limit Somerset’s total.
The match marks the first Championship meeting between the two sides since 2007. Glamorgan handed a debut to Abergavenny product Norton, replacing concussion victim Jamie McIlroy. Somerset brought in Jake Ball and Jack Leach for Alfie Ogborne and Thomas Rew, who had A-level commitments.
Despite losing the toss, Somerset will be pleased with their total, giving their bowlers something to defend unless the pitch loses its early spice.
