DURHAM are in a slightly stronger position than last week at Northampton, needing to take eight wickets in the final two sessions of the home match against Somerset.

Openers Marcus Trescothick and Chris Jones have gone, both lbw to Chris Rushworth, taking the game’s tally of leg before victims to 16.

Already 275 ahead, despite the third day’s washout, Durham added 61 in 11 overs this morning before declaring on 213 for nine to set a target of 337 in 82 overs.

Yorkshire knocked off 339 in the final innings at this time last year, but they had a day and a bit to do it and with Nick Compton having come in at No 3 Somerset do not give the impression that they will be going for victory.

Durham University graduate Jones pushed on in reaching 24 but he fell two overs before lunch when Rushworth switched to the Finchale End. Somerset were 45 for two from 15 overs at the break.

Jamie Harrison was the day’s first lbw victim, falling to Lewis Gregory for 24 after a useful stand of 47 with Paul Collingwood.

The captain used the cut to good effect in keeping the score moving while Graham Onions went for bigger shots and holed out at deep mid-on for 11.

A dab to third man for two took Collingwood to an 80-ball half-century and he was on 52 when he declared.