SOMERSET'S cricketers are going in search of their first ever County Championship title this week - and supporters will be keeping everything crossed that the rain stays away.

While a full four days play seems nigh-on impossible, the good news for Somerset is that the forecast seems to be improving slightly the nearer the match gets.

Here is the Met Office verdict (correct as of Sunday evening...)

Day One (Monday)

One session may be all that can be fit in on the first day - and even that could be in doubt if there is heavy overnight rain.

The chances of rain are minimal until around lunchtime, but the afternoon carries a 90-95% chance of rainfall.

Somerset County Gazette:

This could well impact the decisions made at the toss, regarding both whether to bat or bowl and which teams to pick.

Day Two (Tuesday)

Again, the morning does not look too bad - a 10-40% chance of rain - but the outlook looks worse as the day goes on.

Three words which will fill all Somerset fans with dread this week are 'yellow warning: rain' - and, unfortunately, one is in place for Tuesday afternoon.

Day Three (Wednesday)

This is perhaps where Somerset fans can start to feel optimistic.

A chance of a damp start but the chance of rain is down at 10% for the majority of the day.

Depending on how much of the first two days go ahead, this could be the pivotal day in the title race.

Somerset County Gazette:

Day Four (Thursday)

A similar outlook to Wednesday at this stage, with the verdict being 'light rain changing to cloudy by lunchtime'.

If the afternoon is clear, we could yet be set for a dramatic conclusion...

Another factor to consider is that, even if there is not as much rain as forecast, bad light could come into play.

Somerset do, of course, have floodlights now but play will still be stopped if the umpires feel the artificial light is overriding the natural light.

In conclusion, then, it could be an 'on and off' four days with some frustration along the way - but there could yet be enough play available for a result to be forced.

You can follow live coverage throughout the title decider at countygazette.co.uk/sport