Jamaica 117-2 Despite the strong cross winds that had dust from the wicket flying into their face, Jamaica's batsmen steered their team to an emphatic eight wicket victory over Somerset CC in Saturday's tour opener at Somerset.

The visitors cruised to their target, surpassing Somerset's total of 111 off just 24.2 overs after the home club had laboured for 39.4 overs before being dismissed.

But Jamaica did suffer a scare early in their innings when opener Wavell Hinds was caught behind off Rodney Fubler for a duck and with just one run on the board.

However, stability came with a second-wicket partnership of 91 between the remaining opener Robert Samuels and skipper Delroy Morgan -- Samuels scoring 47 and Morgan 57 not out.

When the stand ended with Samuels caught by Jeff Richrdson off spinner Kevin Fubler, Jamaica were 92 for two and within easy reach of their target. Morgan and new batsman Wayne Lewis (one not out) quickly knocked off the remaining runs.

Samuels struck seven fours and two sixes, facing 57 balls during his 83 minute stay while the skipper batted for 120 minutes, facing 69 balls and hitting eight fours and two sixes.

Somerset, playing with just seven of their Cup Match team, had skipper Dexter Basden lead their batting with 25 after opening with Albert Steede who scored 21. They put on opening partnership of 31.

But the only other player making a decent score was Hasan Durham with 24. He joined Basden in a sixth wicket stand worth 28.

Leg spinner Brian Murphy was Jamaica's best bowler with two for 15 off 10 overs, including four maidens while fast bowler Denville McKenzie also took two for 15.

Anthony Andrews, who took the new ball, finished with two for 29.