The one fixture that will be held at Bath in 2007 attracted a bigger crowd, 3,500, than for any limited-overs match at Taunton this season. Somerset won it — just — through a half-century from Marcus Trescothick, who struck nine fours, and an unbeaten 49 from James Hildreth. The victory gives them a chance of qualifying for the semi-finals of the Friends Provident Trophy.

For Somerset to revert to staging a proper festival incorporating championship cricket in this lovely bowl — in actuality a public park — a significant sponsor will have to be found. That in itself is unlikely and, with the development of the County Ground at Taunton imminent, the expectation is that one limited-overs match here a summer will have to suffice.

Besides, cutting a pitch on an uneven park ground must tax any groundsman, even the redoubtable Phil Frost. The ball did not come on to the bat yesterday, which largely explained the low scoring. Every Surrey batsman got a start, but only Jon Batty made a sizeable score, 50 off 87 balls. Cameron White held a sharp catch at point to dismiss Mark Ramprakash, the ball still rising.

When Somerset batted, Trescothick made 43 out of an opening stand of 54 with Peter Trego before he edged a catch to the wicketkeeper. Both Justin Langer and Ian Blackwell picked out fielders on the leg-side boundary, but Hildreth, aided by some lusty blows from Steffan Jones, brought victory with 13 balls left. Surrey now have a crucial match away to Hampshire on Wednesday.