Peter Bowler completed the 41st century of his career against Leicestershire in the CricInfo Championship game at Grace Road – 15 years after making his first for them on the same ground.

The 37-year-old Somerset batsman still holds the distinction of being the first Leicestershire player to score a century on his first-class debut when he made 100 not out against Hampshire in 1986.

His latest century kept Somerset well in contention in what has become a high-scoring match on a good pitch. They closed the second day at 324 for six only 63 runs behind.

But Leicestershire will not be happy with their performance in the field. Their bowling and catching left a lot to be desired, and the Somerset batsmen cashed in.

Bowler led the way with his unbeaten 103 but there was a fine innings as well from Michael Burns. He made 60 off 116 balls with eight fours and a six before becoming one of the five batsmen caught by his namesake, wicket-keeper Neil Burns.

Jamie Cox and Piran Holloway, both dropped twice on their way to scores of 21 and 35 respectively, were his first two victims off the bowling of Devon Malcolm, and he also helped remove Rob Turner and Peter Trego.

Turner was not happy about his dismissal, clearly feeling he made no contact with a delivery from left-arm spinner Daniel Marsh.

But there was no doubt about Trego's departure. He received a brute of a ball from Malcolm which he could only fend off and Burns clung on to a one-handed catch.

But Bowler was not to be denied. He survived a difficult chance on 84 but reached his century off 185 balls with 15 fours and a six.

© CricInfo Ltd.