The rain hampers Cidermen's bid for victory at Taunton

Rain restricted play at Taunton to just 1½ hours on Friday during which time Somerset scored some quick runs before declaring 276 ahead of Glamorgan.

The Cidermen then captured a quick wicket to leave the visitors needing 247 to make the hosts bat again.

When play eventually got underway at 2.15pm, Somerset quickly brought up the 400 to gain their fifth batting point. Aaron Laraman then launched himself at the Glamorgan attack to bring up his first half century for his new county with some lusty blows, until at three o' clock skipper Mike Burns declared on 476 for 6, by which time the all rounder had taken his score onto 61.

The former Middlesex man had faced just 38 balls and hit two sixes and seven fours much to the delight of the many faithful supporters who remained at the County Ground, whilst at the other end Rob Turner was 32 not out at the declaration.

Facing a deficit of 276, Richard Johnson made an early breakthrough for the Cidermen when in his first over opener Ian Thomas edged a simple catch to wicket-keeper Turner.

David Hemp came into join Adrian Dale and the pair had taken their side onto 29 without further loss before bad light and then rain caused the players to leave the field for an early tea from which they never returned.

Somerset will be watching the weather forecast closely on Saturday and hoping that the rain holds off long enough for them to take the remaining nine Glamorgan wickets and notch up their second championship victory to boost their bid for promotion.