JAMES Hildreth settled into First Class cricket in 2019 with an unbeaten century as Somerset dominated day one of their match against Cardiff MCCU.

Hildreth, batting in a new position at number three, entered the fray upon the dismissal of Marcus Trescothick (22) and went on to make 158 not out from 238 balls, with 19 fours and two sixes.

He has now made 43 First Class centuries for Somerset, eight shy of Trescothick's record.

It was a productive day for all of Somerset's batsman, each of whom made starts, with Eddie Byrom coming in at six and making an unbeaten 58.

Steve Davies contributed 46, George Bartlett 38 and Azhar Ali - who opened alongside Trescothick - made 22.

Stand-in skipper Lewis Gregory declared with the hosts on 387-4 and promptly got to work with the new ball, taking two wickets as Cardiff slumped to 13-4 in what was left of the day.

Jack Brooks took 2-12 from five overs at the other end on his First Class debut for the county.

Entry is free for all three days - play resumes at 10.30am tomorrow.