SOMERSET maintained their fine start to the season in Division One of the Rothesay County Cricket Championship by beating Hampshire at the Utilita Bowl, to gain their second win of the season and stay unbeaten.

Chasing a total of 288 for victory Tom Abell made an unbeaten 101 - the 22nd century of his career - to see the Cidermen to a thrilling two-wicket victory.

At the start of the game Hampshire were put into bat first and slipped to 124 for six before two partnerships helped them to post 238 of which Jake Lehmann top scored with 76, while there were three wickets each for Lewis Gregory and Craig Overton.

In reply Somerset scored 288 all out which included 86 from James Rew and 49 from Abell, plus 38 from Alfie Ogborne, batting at 10.

Batting for a second time Hampshire reached 336 all out, Gregory taking five for 42, leaving Somerset chasing a challenging total for victory.

Their quest wasn’t helped when they slipped to 52 for three before their two saviours Abell and Rew came together. The pair added 89 before Rew was dismissed for 59 which left the visitors still needing 141 for victory with six wickets remaining.

Abell remained steadfast throughout the rest of the innings as he added 47 with Will Smeed and then 65 for the seventh wicket with Gregory who made a patient 25.

Jack Leach then provided valuable support and remained unbeaten on six off 15 balls as Abell reached his century to see Somerset to victory.

Former Somerset Academy bowler Sonny Baker was the pick of the Hampshire bowlers with five for 62 from his 17 overs.

Somerset are next in championship action on Friday, May 1, when they host Yorkshire at Taunton in a match which gets underway at 11am.