FORMER Somerset man and new signing John Francis was the star for Taunton St Andrews in their opening weekend of pre-season fixtures.

He scored 70 and 73 in wins over Bridgwater by 23 runs and a full-strength Taunton side by four runs.

On Saturday against Bridgwater, Francis was the dominant partner in an opening stand of 80 with Luke Hawker (14), who has returned from Perth.

Francis’ knock of 70 included six sixes and came in even time.

With other batsmen getting a run-out, a total of 191 looked competitive. Steve Davis with 5-18 was pick of the home attack.

In reply Davis (31), Todd Barrett (32) and Michael Coles (29) all got starts but the home side finished on 168-7. The wickets were shared, with Mike Parsons, Jacob Lintott, Dan Hawkins, Ben Pitkin and Lloyd Alley all in on the action.

On Sunday at Taunton, Francis was again in the runs, this time with a well-crafted 73 in a narrow victory.

Another ex-Somerset man, Mike Burns (39), helped add 107 for the second wicket and 41 from the third ex-pro Mike Parsons took the score to 222-9.

In a good day for former Somerset men, James Bryant scored an excellent hundred in reply but Taunton fell short on 218-4.

Mike Parsons with 2-47 was again the backbone of the attack.

St Andrews’ pre-season continues away at Chard on Saturday.