HAMPSHIRE produced a strong rearguard action with the bat, and a fine bowling performance, to put them in a good position going into the last day of their Second XI Championship clash with Somerset at the Rose Bowl.

Jason Laney added just four runs to his overnight total of 54, before being bowled in the third over of the morning.

Zac Morris and James Hamblin both went fairly cheaply, taking the score to 130-6.

Jimmy Adams, however, batted with resolve for his 37, and put on over 50 for the next wicket with Iain Brunnschweiler. Both fell with the score on 186, though, the latter making 35.

There was a real bonus when the last wicket pairing of James Schofield and Charlie Van der Gucht put on 46, with Schofield (27) out with the score on 239, a lead of 223 for the local lads.

Schofield then turned his attention to bowling, and grabbed the first wicket with the score on 13, and Hamblin picked up the second, just three overs later.

It was another good all-round display from the bowlers, with little or nothing loose for the opposition batsmen to have a go at. Spinners Van der Gucht and Irfan Shah both bowled with attacking fields, and in turn picked up a wicket a piece.

Van der Gucht trapped Hunkin lbw, and Shah bowled dangerman Graham Rose, before Andy Sexton showed lightening reflexes at short leg to flick the ball back for a run out for the fifth wicket.

Somerset were 70-5 at the close, and Hampshire were looking to hammer in the final nails on the last day.