James Rew continued his sensational County Championship form with an unbeaten half-century, steering Somerset to the brink of victory against Hampshire at the Utilita Bowl.
Rew, who has now passed 50 in four of his five innings this season, finished day three on 58 not out as Somerset reached 139-3 in their chase of 288. The young batsman's composed knock followed his first-innings 86, taking his season tally to 378 runs.
"Rew's consistency has been remarkable this summer," said Somerset head coach Jason Kerr, who recently suggested the player could be in contention for England honors. "He's showing maturity beyond his years."
Earlier in the day, Lewis Gregory claimed his first five-wicket haul in three years, finishing with 5-42 to restrict Hampshire to 336 in their second innings. Despite half-centuries from Nick Gubbins (83), Jake Lehmann (50), and Ben Brown (66), Hampshire couldn't build an insurmountable lead.
The match has seen dramatic momentum shifts throughout its three days. After Somerset appeared in complete control initially, Hampshire fought back strongly before Somerset regained the advantage with the second new ball.
Gubbins looked destined for a century before falling to Jack Leach on 83, while Lehmann reached his fifty only to be dismissed immediately afterward by Alfie Ogborne.
Somerset now need 148 more runs with seven wickets remaining to secure what would be a significant victory in the Division One standings. The visitors will resume on the final day with Rew at the crease and the match firmly in their grasp.