SECOND Division leaders Somerset face a tough battle to avoid defeat against Worcestershire on the final day of the Championship match at Bath.

The home side closed a rain-affected third day on 144-3 in their second innings, still 156 runs short of making their opponents bat again.

Play did not start until 3.15pm and 54 overs were lost.

Resuming at 19-0, Somerset slipped to 68-3 before skipper Mike Burns (33) and Jamie Cox (35) dug in with some good fortune to add 76 in an unbroken stand for the fourth wicket.

The pitch remained easy-paced, but there were signs of turn and variable bounce which make Worcestershire firm favourites to complete their third win in a row.

Piran Holloway was first to go, lbw shouldering arms to an inswinger from Kabir Ali for 11 with the total on 37.

Matt Wood and James Bryant took the score to 63-1 at tea without ever looking comfortable and it was no surprise when both lost their wickets in quick succession after the interval.

Young opener Wood has struggled for form this season and, despite five crisply struck boundaries, was never at ease.

He appeared to be beaten in the flight as he advanced to off-spinner Gareth Batty and chipped a simple catch to Vikram Solanki at extra cover.

That was 66-2 and only one more run had been added when South African Bryant cut loosely at a wide ball from Mark Harrity and departed to a straightforward catch by wicketkeeper Steve Rhodes.

In bright sunshine that contrasted to the heavy morning rain, Burns and Cox set about stalling Worcestershire's victory bid.

Neither fully came to terms with some good bowling from Batty and Nantie Hayward, with Cox surviving several close lbw appeals.

Burns played and missed outside off- stump on several occasions, but the pair stuck at their task to give Somerset some hope of salvaging a draw.