SOMERSET batsman Marcus Trescothick has spoken of his pride after scoring the century that put him alone at the top of the all-time list of hundreds made for the club.

Reflecting on his innings of 106 - his 50th century for the club - that helped Somerset salvage a draw on day four of the County Championship match against Warwickshire in Taunton, the veteran opener said: "It is a very nice feeling - it's been hanging round a while and I had all winter to dwell on it, so I am delighted.

"It has not been an easy start to the season for lots of us, and I have been battling to find my rhythm which at times has felt a million miles away.

"It's great to get there, and we've just had a nice toast with a glass of champagne in the changing room which was a lovely feeling."

Trescothick had earlier passed 25,000 career First Class runs in an innings that was full of milestones, though he admitted that played second fiddle to the main event.

"To get past 25,000 runs was great but the hundred was the really nice feeling, and I desperately wanted to do it here [in Taunton] so I'm delighted to have done so."

Warwickshire captain Ian Bell hailed his former England teammate, saying: "It's a great achievement for a fantastic bloke.

"I was one of the younger members of the England team when we were playing together, but he was a great role model for me and I'm sure that is something he does here incredibly well.

"He's a great character on and off the field and he deserves this - Somerset are lucky to have someone like him here."

Somerset batting coach Chris Rogers added: "Tres is exceptional. Just the other day I was giving him throwdowns for over an hour and he was middling all of them but complaining that things didn't feel right - he simply strives for perfection all the time.

"That is something that really rubs off on our younger players and sets an amazing example for them to follow."