PETER Trego and Azhar Ali were delighted to play substantial roles in Somerset’s fourth straight Royal London One-Day Cup victory in the first match under the new floodlights at the Cooper Associates County Ground.

Both scored centuries against Essex in Taunton, with Ali’s 110 his first ton in Taunton and Trego’s 101-ball 147 including 11 fours and six sixes.

READ MORE: As it happened – Somerset win rain-affected first floodlit clash

The 217-run second wicket stand was Somerset’s highest List A partnership for any wicket against Essex in List A cricket and set the hosts on their way to a total of 353-5 from their rain-reduced 39 overs.

In reply, Essex – either side of another sizeable rain delay – made 154-6 to fall 37 runs short of their adjusted target.

Trego said: “It was a shame the rain came as it could have been a classic at 39 overs a side.

“With their line-up it could have been a real spectacle.

“It is a shame for the fans but we are delighted with the points.

“I have felt a big score has been brewing and I was disappointed to fall in the 20s in the first two matches.

“With my ‘twin’ Azhar at the crease [Somerset’s players have been struggling to tell the two apart in the field] I felt comfortable and the way he went to his hundred inspired me to do the same.

“In tradesmen’s terms, it was the coping saw and the sledgehammer. Azhar is very wristy and skilful and I have that bit of power.”

Ali added: “We are so well supported so to score my first ton at home gives me great pleasure.

“Us both getting hundreds was the icing on the cake.

“It was moving around a bit in the first five overs and to begin with we just targeted ones and twos.

“The over that Pete hit six, four and six swung the momentum.

“Anchoring the innings is important and if your top six bat the overs you will always have a good score on the board.

“I think we have most things covered. Our fielding is up there with the best and I think we are the fittest side. The work we have done over the winter is paying off.”

Looking ahead to Sunday’s derby against Gloucestershire, Trego said: “They are a very well-drilled one-day outfit.

“We will look to keep our momentum going. We know there will be hard times to come but we are in great form at the moment and everyone is contributing.”