UPON announcing his planned retirement last week, Marcus Trescothick said he would "do everything I can to put in performances for the Second XI in order to force my way back into contention for the first team" - and he has done just that against Gloucestershire this week.

Both Trescothick and Eddie Byrom spent valuable time in the middle as the second XI thumped their hosts by nine wickets at Rockhampton CC.

Trescothick, who had scored 53 in the first innings, made 90 from 106 balls with 18 fours during a 164-run opening stand in the second innings, while Ben Green's unbeaten 56 helped Somerset over the line.

Byrom scored centuries in both innings, following up his 104 first up with an unbeaten 137 from 168 balls as Somerset chased down 289 for the loss of just one wicket on the final day.

It is a welcome return to form for both batsmen, who are each hoping a first-team opportunity will arise between now and the end of the season.

Byrom also scored 152 for Taunton St Andrew's in their defeat at Lansdown on Saturday and has the chance to complete a remarkable four centuries in a week if his golden run continues in the Saints' clash at Clevedon this weekend.

For the full scorecard from this week's Second XI game,

click here.

Don't miss a souvenir Marcus Trescothick pullout inside tomorrow's County Gazette, featuring photos, statistics and tributes following the batsman's decision to retire at the end of the season.