A varied Northamptonshire 2nd team found themselves on the wrong side of the result against Somerset at Dunstable Town Cricket Club.

The county fielded 16 different players across the four day Second XI Championship fixture, with a number of call ups to the First XI squad mid-match.

Skipper Gus Miller won the toss and elected to bowl in cloudy conditions above a green wicket. Somerset’s top order handled the tough conditions well, reaching 139 for two in the 31st over.

Goldsworthy was then bowled by Gus Miller and sparked a mini collapse, Somerset losing their last eight wickets for just 84 runs as a result of some outstanding bowling which was backed up by some sharp work in the field.

By close of play, Northamptonshire had reached 85 for just the loss of Skipper Miller and looked in a strong position, Day 2 proved a tough day at the office however.

Northamptonshire seemed to be making steady progress but this soon came to an abrupt halt in the 36th over when they lost two wickets in two balls. Justin Broad was caught behind by Steven Davies for an impressive 48 and then Saif Zaib was run out moments later and Northamptonshire had their backs to the wall against a strong Somerset attack.

By lunch they had reached 166-6 with Sharma, Keast and Buchake all back in the pavilion. The last four wickets added 60 runs after lunch with Somerset spinner Shoaib Bashir claiming all four.

Somerset started their second innings just three runs behind and by close of play had reached 184-4, Steven Davies top scoring with 63.

A number of players left the match to link up with the First XI squad ahead of the third day Academy players Max Hunt and Aum Raykar made their Northamptonshire debuts at the age of sixteen.

Just before tea, Somerset’s second innings ended on 443. Their experience showed as Goldsworthy (102), Green (75) and ODI international Josh Davey (78) made the Northamptonshire attack toil in a bitterly cold easterly breeze. But there were some terrific performances for 2nd XI coach Graeme White to ponder including two wickets on debut for Max Hunt.

Sadly, by the close of play Northamptonshire had limped along to 109-7 with Somerset securing victory early on the final morning.