PHILINFRANCE

Ah, Yes, of course. Mr Warnock.

The final paragraph of the article. Despite recent attempts to cool things between him and the City fans, Ian Holloway remains public enemy number one at Ashton Gate with only one rival for the crown. But that’s another story……. Who is that then? Is he referring to the recently departed Mr. Ashton?

Absolutely Not! Whilst I feel sorry for Glos. - honestly @slartibartfast - for purely selfish reasons, it was far better (by about 10 points, from memory) for Hants to win as we beat them in a group game, but lost to Glos.

32 overs left, 181 runs still required.

In other news, Jack Leach is bowling magnificently; has already had Stoneman caught and has just had Amla dropped at second slip. Hants have also declared at 486/7, a lead of 257. It's all about to get quite interesting.

I am sure they have; indeed, Surrey's position is getting progressively perilous, so much so that a draw might not save them from playing in the third division next season. In brief, Leicestershire are fighting back against Middlesex, who are currently 50/4 in their second innings, giving them a lead of just 146. Although they are playing at Northwood, not one of the best batting surfaces, Leicestershire must be quietly fancying their chances of a win, which would give them 127 points: a draw for Surrey, even with the maximum of 5 batting points, would equally put them on 127 points, but with Leicestershire having won three matches against Surrey's two, the latter would finish fifth and, thus, be playing in division three next season. Surrey really need a win to be sure, and don't look as if they are playing with sufficient urgency to get anything more than a draw - currently 137/2 off 57.

I've not been watching the Glos/Hants match, but I couldn't help noticing that, of the 57! extras conceded in Hants' innings, 28 have been byes. If anybody on here is watching, can they advise whether the pitch is playing up or is this one more example of young James Bracey's loss of form/confidence following his unfortunate England experience.

Somerset are, indeed, through to Division 1, but this is due to Hants failing to get their 4th batting point. Glos. could still, theoretically, finish ahead of Somerset with a draw, although Hants cannot, even if they match Somerset's points total with a draw as Somerset have four wins compared to Hants' three.

This Glenn Phillips character has proved a pretty astute signing, hasn't he? Hants now 176/1 and Glos. moving towards that all-important 3rd wicket (and bowling point) to confirm that a draw will see them through.

Judging by the on-screen pictures and forecast, I suspect tea may well stretch in to lunch tomorrow.

Safe? It is Somerset you are talking about. Seriously, though, quite a strong position, assuming nothing stupid. The pitch hasn't really showed any genuine signs of turn yet, but it would be interesting to see Jack Leach and Roelof bowling should it deteriorate.

That's a shame - Moriarty has just replaced Ashwin - I thought both Hants and Ashwin were going to get their hundreds at the same time.

88/0 at lunch. The afternoon sessions in both games should prove very interesting, possibly setting up results in both matches, notwithstanding the poor weather forecasts for tomorrow at both Cheltenham and The Oval.

Well, you got your wish: currently 54/0. ?

Should Somerset draw with maximum bowling points (148 points) and Glos. draw with only two bowling points, they would finish level on points, but Glos. would finish above Somerset having won more matches. Still hoping for a Hants win.

I agree it would have been better to have seen all three games in their group finish. As you say, it is unlikely they would have got enough points, even with a most probable win against Derbyshire, as Warwickshire are well placed for a draw at minimum, looking likely to get sufficient points to leave them above Essex whatever the result. A propos Division 1, Glos are now all out with just the single batting point: Hants get 3 bowling points, so are just 4 points behind. Given the expected weather a Hants win, or, indeed, a win for either team, looks difficult, but 400 runs with the loss of just two wickets would suffice....?.

? What a shame for Mr. Harmer. Glos. have got to be careful against Hants, or they will suffer the same fate.

That was, in fact, his second and last Test Match, both against Australia. He played quite well in his first Test, but was out for a duck in the first innings of his second match and, as you say, made a very slow 25 in his second innings, although, in his defence, England were tryig to save the game.

He may have been a bit before your time, but Somerset had a very useful opening batsman, who suffered the same fate: Mark Lathwell.

Now it's going to get 'interesting'. Steve Davies out LBW to the spin of Virdi. Tom Lammonby hanging in well, though.

Luckily, Jamieson is injured, although Surrey do have a certain Jamie Overton playing for them.

I might be due a ‘Whoosh’ here, but I suspect reference was being made to a former Somerset icon, a certain Peter Treeeego. You have probably never heard of him, as he played mainly in the first division, but he also presented a few City matches on Robins TV - usually quite ‘snazzily’ dressed.

Obviously more difficult without the likes of Abell, Banton, Overton and Gregory - not a bad quartet - but pretty abject batting nonetheless.

Will Smeed and the youngsters will come good. Oops.

A mainstay of the NZ one day teams - a fine wicketkeeper/batsman. Though not for us this evening - out first second ball!