Somerset Secure First Win In Low-Scoring Affair
Somerset secured victory in the County Championship for the first time this season with a win inside two days against Essex at Taunton.
Both sides were unbeaten going into the game, although Somerset had been restricted to draws in each of their previous four games – not helped by the early-season weather.
Having won the toss, Somerset elected to bowl first and it looked to be the right move as Essex were bowled out for just 156 – with Migael Pretorious taking 4-36, and Jake Ball and Craig Overton both picking up two wickets.
After openers Matt Renshaw and Sean Dickson were both dismissed early on, Tom Lammonby and Andy Umeed put up brief resistance but five wickets apiece for Sam Cook and Jamie Porter meant the home side were skittled out for 128.
Essex would reach 6-0 before the end of the day but when play resumed on day two, the wickets would again tumble at regular intervals.
Josh Davey and captain Lewis Gregory both struck three times as Essex could only manage 138 in their second innings, although that still left a target of 167 if Somerset were to take the win.
Renshaw and Dixon made a solid start to the victory chase as they shared a stand of 75 for the opening wicket before Renshaw was trapped LBW by Cook, and Dickson followed soon afterwards.
Lammonby then fell for a duck before Somerset reached three figures, with the game appearing to start turning towards the visitors.
Umeed and Tom Banton were able to steady the ship however, and although wickets would continue to tumble, Somerset were able to reach their target with three wickets still in hand to score victory.
The 19 points mean Somerset sit second in the table.
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