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A TRADEMARK explosive knock from Ian Blackwell helped Somerset get their season off to a winning start as they defeated Hampshire by six wickets in the Friends Provident Trophy at the County Ground on Sunday.

Chasing the visitors' 221, Somerset were in trouble at 91-4 but a brilliant unbroken stand of 132 between Blackwell and John Francis saw them comfortably home with more than two overs left.

Blackwell smashed 86 from just 67 with 11 fours and a six, while Francis, something of a surprise inclusion, scored 48 not out from 53 balls and provided ideal support for his big-hitting partner.

Somerset skipper Justin Langer won the toss and asked Hampshire to bat in dry but overcast conditions.

They quickly lost Michael Carberry and John Crawley but staged a partial recovery before Ben Phillips removed Michael Lumb for 47 to claim his first wicket in a competitive game for Somerset.

Phillips, who missed the whole of last season with a chest injury, went on to claim 3-47 and finally show the Somerset faithful what he is capable of.

Hampshire stuttered to 96-5 until a stand of 86 between Nic Pothas (55) and England all-rounder Dimi Mascarenhas (53) saw them to 182.

However, Somerset's bowlers had the upper hand in the latter stages of the innings and Hampshire were bowled out for 221 in the final over.

Somerset's other main performer with the ball was Steffan Jones who ended with a fine return of 2-29 from 9.2 overs.

In their reply, Somerset lost Marcus Trescothick for 12 and Langer for two before opener Craig Kieswetter (49) and James Hildreth put on 45.

They fell in quick succession but Somerset's fans need not have worried as Blackwell and Francis played near perfect knocks to see their side to victory.

SOMERSET are set to be without veteran fast bowler Andy Caddick for their Liverpool Victoria Championship Division One opener against Lancashire at Old Trafford, on Wednesday.

Caddick, who underwent back surgery in the winter, had hoped to play in the four-day match but looks unlikely to be fit enough.

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