COUNTY CHAMPIONSHIP DIVISION ONE, Emirates Ground:
CLOSE OF PLAY, DAY ONE: Durham 132-2 v Somerset
Match scorecard

Somerset bowler Ben Phillips celebrates with his team-mates after taking the wicket of Michael Di Venuto

Somerset's quest for a first County Championship title was first hit by rain and then resilient Durham batsman Dale Benkenstein at Chester-le-Street.

Play got underway at 1525 BST and Charl Whilloughby and Ben Phillips took early wickets to leave Durham on 33-2.

But the home side closed on 132-2 as Benkenstein (71 not out) and Gordon Muchall (23 not out) shared an unbroken partnership of 99.

Somerset went into the game two points behind Nottinghamshire.

Notts suffered a frustrating day with only one over possible in their game at Old Trafford, in which time they reached 8-0.

The early wickets of Michael di Venuto and Mark Stoneman at Chester-le-Street boosted Somerset and they looked set to take full advantage of the moist conditions.

But Muchall and the reliable Benkenstein stood firm, with the latter completing a 77-ball half-century with the majority of his runs coming on the off side.

Both players spent over two hours at the crease, with Muchall facing 103 balls and hitting only one boundary, for his 23 not out.

BBC Radio Newcastle's Martin Emmerson: "It was an interesting decision to bat in such damp conditions but that was probably down to the fact the wicket they are playing on was already 80 overs old following last week's ODI.

"Durham lost two quick wickets with both their openers back in the hutch inside eight overs, making that decision to bat look a dodgy one.

"However Dale Benkenstein with a great 71 and Gordon Muchall with 23 helped them close the day in a decent position.

"Muchall has also signed a new two-year contract which is great news for a local lad, whose future at the club was in great doubt last year.

"Durham also say they will give Somerset no favours in this one, particularly when Somerset seemed reluctant to make a game of it in the reverse fixture a few weeks ago."

Somerset director of cricket Brian Rose on Benkenstein:
"He's a really fine player and he played very well.

"The first session on Tuesday morning will be vital.

"They've done very well to only lose two wickets, but there's still everything to play for."

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