A century by Nick Compton and a partnership of 167 with Jos Buttler brought Somerset back into contention against Warwickshire at Edgbaston.
In 43 overs together they stretched a slender lead of 35 beyond 200 and with Adam Dibble adding a career-best 43, the West Countrymen posted a total of 354 to set the home side a tougher-than-expected 259 for victory.
Neil Carter's promotion to open paid off with a quick-fire 26 and after losing wickets in successive overs from the Pavilion End, William Porterfield's unbeaten 57 took them to 123 for two, needing a further 136 to win their opening championship fixture. Ian Westwood (17 not out) played his part in a stand worth 80 so far.
The match might have been over by now but an opportunity for Warwickshire to win in three days slipped through their captain's fingers when Jim Troughton spilled what looked to be a routine chance from Buttler at mid-off.
The England Lions batsman had made only seven at the time and the cost of his let-off mounted with every run from a talented stroke-maker who will continue to be on the national selectors' radar this summer.
While Buttler always
pleasing on the eye in making 93 from 126 balls, Compton was more conservative, but no less important to his team, in compiling his 13th first-class hundred.
It was not quite as long as the six-hour century he made on this ground for Middlesex six years ago but in reaching 133 he was at the crease for 85 overs, diligently facing 256 balls before Chris Wright was able to pierce his defence.
The day began well enough for Warwickshire when night-watchman George Dockrell fended to gully in Wright's second over but they had to wait nearly three hours for another wicket - and then three came along in 12 balls.
Buttler, having hit one six off Carter, had not long driven his 15th four when he stepped in front of a full-length delivery from Wright and in the following over Carter bowled Peter Trego.
When Wright claimed his seventh wicket of the match by knocking out Compton's off stump, Somerset kicked on again with Dibble, a seam bowler in only his third championship match, revealing potential as an all-rounder.
Picking his shots with power and certainty, the 21-year-old collected half-a-dozen fours and a six from 46 balls before Rikki Clarke finished the innings in three deliveries.
Vernon Philander fell at mid-off, Troughton holding a more difficult catch than the one he dropped from Buttler, and Dibble gave up his chance of a maiden half-century when swinging across the line.
