James Bryant scores his maiden half century to help see the Cidermen to victory

There was no containing the delight and pleasure that there was on the faces of the Somerset players after they completed a six-wicket victory over Durham early this afternoon.

Resuming on their overnight total of 75 for 2, the Cidermen lost Jamie Cox with the score on 82 that brought James Bryant to the wicket to join Peter Bowler.

The new signing quickly settled in and in drove the ball with confidence as he first took successive boundaries off Neil Killeen and then off Nick Phillips.

Bowler meanwhile was steadily moving the score towards the target of 195, and brought up the Somerset hundred, and then his own half century, that included 7 x 4'x and came from 133 balls.

By lunchtime Somerset had reached 162 for 3 wickets, with Bowler not out 62 and Bryant on 44.

Following the break Bryant brought up his half century, his first for the county, which included 9x4's and came from 96 balls, but was out shortly afterwards for 51 when he was caught by wicket-keeper Andrew Pratt off the bowling of Phillips.

Richard Johnson came into join the veteran Bowler , and together they saw the Cidermen home to a six wicket victory, by which time the opener had taken his score onto 67 and Johnson had scored 23 runs.

After the game Somerset coach Kevin Shine told me: "We are all absolutely delighted and this win has given us the confidence that we needed, but it wasn't easy out there. They bowled hard at us, but our batsmen saw us through to victory."

He continued: "James Bryant gave a real battling performance and showed what he is capable of. We have got to enjoy moments like these."