At the end of day two of the 2nd XI Championship fixture at Taunton Vale, Northamptonshire found themselves in a much-improved position after a tremendous fight back earlier on in the day.
Somerset had been commanding affairs at 201-2 when the Northamptonshire bowlers began to turn the screw on their opposition.
The star of the show was leg spinner Alex Russell who found a terrific rhythm and bowled a beautifully controlled spell ending up with 4-35. Russell was ably supported by James Sales who also ended up with four wickets. Triallist Yadvinder Singh Chahal claimed two wickets which included the prize scalp of James Hildreth for 71.
At stumps, Northamptonshire led by 73 runs with seven second innings wickets in hand. Harry Gouldstone was in form again with the bat. He ended up undefeated on 92 which included 11 fours and 2 sixes. James Cronie had earlier followed up his century from last week with a valuable 42 and shared in a second wicket partnership of 82 with Gouldstone.
An intriguing third day awaits with the match delicately poised.