James Middlebrook became the third Essex player in less than a week to record his maiden Championship century as the County ran up a total of 400-9 declared on the opening day of their clash against Somerset at Taunton.

The 27-year-old Yorkshireman hit 115 to join Alastair Cook and James Foster, who achieved that landmark in last week's run feast against Leicestershire at Chelmsford.

It was an effort which helped his side to a maximum haul of batting points for the third successive match, despite the evergreen Andy Caddick turning in another impressive display of pace bowling to return figures of 6-80.

To complete a good day for the visitors they got rid of Peter Bowler as Somerset closed on 11-1 from an awkward three-over spell before stumps.

Graham Napier, with a typical boisterous 79 from 99 balls, kept Middlebrook company for most of the time as they shared in a seventh-wicket stand of 175 in 35 overs after coming together with the total on 205.

"It was a great feeling to get a Championship ton under my belt," said Middlebrook afterwards. "Four times in my career I've been dismissed in the 80s, but I've been batting well this season and was determined not to slip up when I got that far again."

Middlebrook, who arrived at Essex primarily as an off-spinner but is now developing into an accomplished all-rounder, struck 15 fours and a six in reaching three figures from 152 deliveries.

And he added 15 more before being superbly caught by Keith Parsons at wide mid-on to become one of Caddick's victims.

Napier's reward was 11 fours and two sixes before Mike Burns held on at the second attempt at mid-on.

Essex flattered to deceive in the opening session until Will Jefferson and Flower asserted their authority.

But in what proved the final over before the interval, Flower was bowled when in sight of his half-century and Aftab Habib departed second ball lbw without offering a stroke.

Published Wednesday May 26, 2004

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