Somerset break records against Northants as they clinch second place

Keith Parsons hit a Championship-best 139 as Somerset posted a massive 650 against relegation candidates Northants at Taunton.

That gave the home side a first innings lead of 187 and effectively ended Northants' hopes of forcing the victory needed to put pressure on Lancashire in the battle for First Division survival.

It was Somerset's highest ever score at the County Ground and their biggest against Northants, who have only once conceded more in a Championship game.

By the close the visitors had reached 89-1 in their second innings and were still 98 behind.

Matthew Wood (122) and Mark Lathwell (92) fell in a morning session that saw Somerset score 212 runs and clinch runners-up spot in the Championship in the process.

After the interval Parsons and Ian Blackwell continued the assault, with Blackwell hammering 77 off 83 balls, including 11 fours and two sixes, before being caught behind trying to hook Mike Strong.

Parsons had faced 196 balls and hit 20 fours and two sixes when he was bowled by Paul Taylor, aiming to work the ball through mid-wicket. It was his fifth first-class century, but only his second in the Championship.

Even then there was no let-up for the Northants bowlers, four of whom saw their figures reach the century mark. Taylor (4-100), Tony Penberthy (2-104), Monty Panesar (2-120) and John Blain (0-121) all suffered.

There was even a stand of 47 for the last wicket before Mike Strong had Steffan Jones caught behind for 29.

Then Alec Swann suffered the indignity of a pair as he was caught at second slip with Northants still to record a second innings run. Mike Hussey and Jeff Cook saw them through to the close, with Cook reaching a half-century off 63 balls, including eight fours.