Hampshire batsman Jimmy Adams began his season with his maiden first class century against Somerset at Taunton yesterday.

Left-handed prodigy Adams put on 86 for Loughborough University's second wicket with fellow Hampshire southpaw John Francis.

Adams, unbeaten on 35 overnight, led from the front in his first game as his university side's skipper, making 107 from 151 balls, including 19 fours.

Ex-Hampshire bowler Simon Francis, the elder brother of John, ended Winchester-born Adams's two and half hour vigil - the 22-year-old was caught behind by veteran wicketkeeper Rob Turner.

It was reminiscent of Adams's start to last season when he scored two hundreds against Kent at Canterbury - but that was before Loughborough UCCE was awarded first class status.

J Francis, 26 not out overnight, had earlier been trapped lbw by Richard Johnson for 39 and Loughborough declared on 345-8 in response to Somerset's first innings 413-3.

Somerset closed on 160 without loss in their second innings, a lead of 228 going into the third and final day.

Elsewhere, Hampshire's rookie left-arm paceman James Tomlinson was expensive in taking 1-103 from his 17 overs for Cardiff UCCE against Glamorgan, who were dismissed for 434 at Sophia Gardens.

But the 20-year-old did claim the wicket of veteran Glamorgan skipper Steve James (81). Cardiff UCCE were 136-4 in reply.

Hampshire bowler Alex Morris strengthened his claims for a batting place in the opening game of the season against Worcestershire at New Road on Good Friday.

Morris did not bowl last week but he ended Hampshire's pre-season campaign with an unbeaten 100 against a Surrey attack including Alex Tudor, Jimmy Ormond and Rikki Clarke.

The Yorkshireman needed 193 balls for his ton as Hampshire set Surrey a victory target of 394 in 100 overs. Mark Ramprakash made 130 before retiring, while Graham Thorpe hit 92 as Surrey won by six wickets with 24 overs to spare.

James Hamblin (2-86 from 11 overs) claimed the wickets of Thorpe and Ian Ward, having hit a half century at he top of the Hampshire order, while fellow opener Derek Kenway made 71.

Captain John Crawley was trapped lbw for a third ball duck but Robin Smith hit 80 as Hampshire made 393-9 from their 100 overs.