SOMERSET wicketkeeper Luke Ronchi reflected on ‘a perfect day’ all round, after the Kiwi claimed seven catches during Hampshire’s first innings to help dismiss the visitors for 240 on day one of a crucial LV County Championship clash.

Openers Marcus Trescothick – who yesterday signed a new one year deal at the county – and Tom Abell then put Somerset in a strong position heading into day two, reaching 147-0 by close of play.

Ronchi’s seven catches equalled a club record set by Rob Turner back in 2001 and the 34-year-old said it had been ‘a good day for everyone involved’.

“I have never claimed seven catches behind the wicket in an innings before,” he said.

“I think my previous best was six with a stumping.

“It was a good day from a personal point of view with me getting the chances, but generally it was a good day for everyone involved.

“That’s the way that you would want it to go - it’s good to have a start at home after last week’s performance not being as good as we would have liked, so it’s good to start off this game the way that we would have wanted.”

“After winning the toss we didn’t want to be in the position we were in at lunch so we had to think about the roles and what players needed to do and we did that well after lunch and that showed.

“We started getting wickets and that came with building pressure, which is how four day cricket works.

Trecsothick (67no) and Abell (70no) raced along at a touch under 4.5 runs per over to put Somerset in a commanding position – and Ronchi is hoping the pair can pick up where they left off when day two gets under way.

“You can’t fault it and it’s what you want to see after bowling a side out for that sort of score and you have a session to bat.

“You want to be as few down as possible to get through without losing a wicket.

“They are both looking good - it’s been a good start and a perfect day.

“We will be looking to get as many as we can tomorrow and then put them under as much pressure as possible.”