Somerset had to contend with rain and a determined Dale Benkenstein at Chester le Street today.

Play didn't get underway in the County Championship match until late in the afternoon. When it did Durham won the toss and elected to bat.

By the close of play the North Easterners had reached 132-2 and held up Somerset's bid for Championship glory.

Charl Willoughby and Ben phillips had taken early wickets to leave Durham on 33-2 but Benkenstein, who is unbeaten on 71 overnight, dug in and kept Somerset out for the rest of the afternoon and evening.

Somerset will be hoping for a clear day tomorrow and to take some early wickets as they try to force a result.