Visitors survived at Taunton after being forced to follow on, with rain denying Somerset a likely County Championship win.

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Somerset were left frustrated as rain brought an early end to their Rothesay County Championship clash against Sussex at Taunton, denying the hosts what looked set to be a dominant victory.

After enforcing the follow-on with a massive 273-run first-innings lead, Somerset reduced Sussex to 113 for 7 in the second innings before persistent rain and fading light ensured the match ended in a draw.

Somerset had completely controlled the contest after posting an imposing 526 for 8 declared, powered by centuries from Tom Abell and Craig Overton, while James Rew and Tom Lammonby also made valuable contributions. Sussex, replying with 253 in the first innings despite Daniel Hughes’ century, were immediately put back in to bat after collapsing early on the final morning.

The hosts wasted little time wrapping up the Sussex first innings as Alfie Ogborne and Lewis Gregory removed the final two wickets within the opening 12 balls of the day. With overcast conditions and floodlights on, batting remained difficult for the visitors from the start of their second innings.

Sussex suffered a major setback when Tom Haines edged Ogborne to first slip after attempting an expansive drive. Daniel Hughes, who had looked comfortable during his brief stay, then gifted his wicket by cutting a long-hop from off-spinner Archie Vaughan straight to backward point.

Tom Clark tried to steady the innings with a patient 34, but Somerset’s relentless pressure continued to produce wickets at regular intervals. Jack Leaning miscued Craig Overton to midwicket before Clark himself was trapped lbw by the Somerset seamer, leaving Sussex in deep trouble.

Overton bowled an inspired spell, finishing with 3 for 14 from 13 overs, and further tightened Somerset’s grip when he found the edge of James Coles’ bat soon after. Archie Vaughan then added another wicket by bowling Charlie Tear as Sussex slipped closer towards defeat.

Despite Somerset’s dominance, interruptions continued to disrupt play. Concerns briefly emerged over a repeat of the floodlight malfunction that had halted action earlier in the match, while dark skies and worsening weather conditions increasingly threatened the remaining overs.

Fynn Hudson-Prentice later fell lbw to Ogborne as Sussex limped to 113 for 7, but rain arrived during the tea break and ultimately ended Somerset’s hopes. Play briefly resumed before light drizzle forced the players off again, and with conditions failing to improve, the match was officially drawn at 5.50pm.

Somerset took 15 points from a game they largely dominated, while Sussex escaped with 10 points after surviving a difficult final day under pressure.