³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ

Half-centuries from Robbie White and Nick Gubbins put Middlesex in a good position on the opening day of their County Championship game at Somerset.

Gubbins made 75 and White was unbeaten on 70 as Middlesex closed on 308-6.

Max Holden (49), Martin Andersson (38) and John Simpson (33) also contributed but were unable to go on when set.

Craig Overton was once again the pick of the Somerset bowlers with 2-54, while England spinner Jack Leach only bowled seven wicketless overs.

Somerset kept themselves in the game by picking up wickets at timely moments, but 25-year-old White batted for more than three hours and faced 176 balls in his fifth first-class half-century.

Gubbins also looked in fine form, hitting 12 boundaries in his 138-ball knock, which was eventually brought to an end when he edged Lewis Gregory to Overton at slip.

Overton gave Somerset a late boost by removing Andersson lbw, but Luke Hollman saw it through to stumps with White.

Leach could not add to his nine wickets this season as he went at four an over, but on a cool day in Taunton it was the seamers who were given the bulk of the work.

Somerset all-rounder Lewis Gregory:

"It was a frustrating day in some ways. We weren't quite at our best with the ball, but we went past the outside edge a lot and did not have much luck.

"There is a bit in the pitch, but we have a long batting line up and if we can wrap up their innings quickly, the opportunity will be there to make a decent score.

"Pitches here tend to get better for batting as matches go on, unless they take spin, so we must look to register a first innings total that applies some pressure."

Middlesex top scorer Nick Gubbins:

"After being put in against a strong bowling attack, we would definitely have taken a total of 308-6 at the start of play.

"The pitch has plenty of grass and there is a bit in it for the seamers.

"I feel in good nick and was disappointed to get out when I did, but we batted well all down the order to put ourselves in a good position."