WORCESTERSHIRE lost by 88 runs to Somerset at Taunton Vale in their first pre-season encounter on English soil.

The 50-over match saw the hosts set a challenging 318-5 with former County wicketkeeper Steve Davies top scoring with 65.

Fellow opener and skipper Jim Allenby hit 62, Adam Hose 52 not out and Tom Abell 41.

County spinners Brett D'Oliveira and teenager Ben Twohig took 2-47 and 2-43 off 10 and six overs respectively.

Joe Leach was the only other wicket-taker with 1-63 from 10 overs as seamers Jack Shantry, young Patrick Brown and Charlie Morris took some punishment.

Worcestershire were bowled out for 230 in reply from 45.1 overs.

Second XI wicketkeeper Alex Milton starred with 66 off 68 balls batting at number seven.

Opener D'Oliveira added 45 off 39 deliveries and teenage batsman Josh Dell 39 from 68.

The two sides play another 50-over match at the same venue tomorrow.