SOMERSET head coach Jason Kerr was full of praise for Steve Davies, after the wicketkeeper/batsman's half-century helped his side strengthen their position in their Bob Willis Trophy match against Warwickshire.

Somerset dismissed their hosts for 121 on the opening day - Craig Overton continuing his fine form with 3-17, before skipper Tom Abell (3-4) took care of the tail - and closed on 80-2 in reply.

A rain-affected second day ended with the visitors on 214-6, giving them a lead of 93 runs with four wickets remaining.

After the wet weather wiped out the first session, and interrupted the second and third, Abell contributed 41 and Overton 25, but it was Davies (56*) and the returning Lewis Gregory (14*) who were at the crease at the close.

Kerr said afterwards: "Steve Davies batted superbly.

"He has done all season and he batted really well here last year, opening the batting and scoring a century, so Edgbaston is a happy hunting ground for him.

"It was a challenging day for the groundstaff and umpires but we are in a good position, 100 ahead with wickets in hand on a pitch which is still offering something to bowlers.

"We saw in the last session that Tim Bresnan was still getting some movement, so hopefully that will be the case when we bowl again."