SOMERSET and Hants had a contrived finish at Taunton on a third day in which no play was possible before 4.30pm.

Resuming on 20-1 in their first innings, Somerset faced some declaration bowling before closing the reply at 50-1 - 251 runs behind.

Hampshire then posted 66-1 by the time bad light brought a close to extend their advantage to 317 in this Frizzell County Championship Division Two match.

The likelihood is that the visitors will bat on in the morning and set Somerset a target in the region of 350 to win off around 85 overs.

Both teams need the points for a win, Hampshire to cement a promotion place and Somerset to keep alive outside hopes of a top three finish.

It all meant a tedious one hour and 40 minutes of cricket for those who stayed on after more showers following the deluge of the previous day wiped out the first two sessions.

Hampshire quickly set the tone by using Simon Katich, James Adams and Derek Kenway in their attack as Peter Bowler and Jamie Cox resumed the Somerset innings.

The only interest was caused by what appeared a strong verbal exchange between Bowler and

Hampshire skipper Shane Warne, pictured above, in the opening over, delivered by Lawrence Prittipaul.

Bowler was clearly less than amused by comments directed by Warne from slip and umpire Mervyn Kitchen was seen to intervene.

Cox and Bowler were content to push singles against a hardly fearsome attack in adding 30 to the overnight score before skipper Mike Burns declared.

There had clearly been some negotiating between the captains behind the scenes and, when Hampshire began their second innings, Burns himself opened the bowling in tandem with England Under-19 batsman James Hildreth.

Michael Brown managed to edge Hildreth's first ball to Bowler at first slip, but Prittipaul came in at three to help himself to 49 not out.

It was dreadful cricket, but the outcome may be to set up an exciting finish today.