It was the second occasion of the season – his first a double ton – when he had an opportunity of displaying his talents before the former Somerset Chief Executive and he had not wasted the chance. Carr, not for the first time sacrificed himself for the side and the possibility of dot balls brought forward the declaration as Knight and Porter pushed and ran. The declaration came at 366 with 46 overs left in the day. Bedfordshire in the shape of Naik wanted to make a point as he blasted off. His partner and captain Hill had not scored as the pair put on 25 at a run a ball when Barlow trapped him in front. Naik carried on in the same vein as 30 were added for the second wicket when in the tenth over Porter had Tahir leg before. A magnificent catch at deep mid wicket removed Naik from the affray as Daniel Bowser made ground at pace to position himself perfectly to take another catch with the aplomb that we now associate with his fielding. At the highest level this catch would have received huge plaudits. With Naik’s dismissal the tone of the visitor’s innings changed, as they felt that one bowling point was all the home side deserved. Sohail and Patel put on Bedfordshire’s highest partnership of the game as feelers were being made to allow our opponents to get on the road. Our aim on day one had been 20 points and, to the annoyance of the scorer and vice captain, discussions continued, the point was achieved as Cooke took two wickets on the last ball of successive overs to the obvious irritation of the visitors who now had a second batting point in the bag. To avoid ill feeling the day was called with seven overs remaining. The side have now taken 77 points and hopefully one final push at Bristol University, the scene of relegation in 2004, and the squad will achieve what they richly deserve - promotion and hopefully also the division's title. It was good to play again at Seaton who received us with their customary hospitality.

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