Last year's captain Cox looked in good form

James Bryant hit an unbeaten century on his Somerset debut as his team dominated affairs throughout day one.

The county team declared after 80 overs of batting practice with three other players just missing centuries.

Peter Bowler fell early for just 21 before Michael Burns (83) added 130 for the second wicket with Piran Holloway (96).

When those two were dismissed, Bryant and Jamie Cox (88 not out) added an unbeaten 189 before the declaration finally came.

Bryant, a South African who qualifies as a non-overseas player due to his UK passport, smashed 12 fours and five sixes.

In Loughborough's reply, Richard Johnson bowled Rob White to reduce the students to 10-1 early on.

But James Adams and John Francis kept Somerset at bay afterwards to guide Loughborough to 79-1 at stumps.

Somerset: P D Bowler, P C L Holloway, M Burns (Capt), J Cox, J D C Bryant, I D Blackwell, R J Turner (Wkt), A W Laraman, R L Johnson, N A M McLean, S R G Francis.

Loughborough UCCE: J H K Adams (Capt), R A White, J D Francis, V Atri, C D Nash, Z K Sharif, R E King, L Goddard (Wkt), D H Wigley, J Anyon, R A G Cummins.