Jack helps Somerset wrap up comprehensive win over Essex
Somerset bounced back from the frustrations of the third day to claim victory over Essex by eight wickets at the Cooper Associates County Ground to keep their title dreams very much alive.
Jack Leach (five for 81) was exceptional once again as he inspired his side to the dramatic win. He was well supported by Archie Vaughan (three for 123) as Essex set their hosts a total of 102 for victory during the afternoon session.
If Somerset Members and supporters had expected another day of being foiled by stubborn and obdurate batting from the visitors, they were in for a pleasant surprise as their side claimed an impressive and thoroughly deserved win.
As they had done for the majority of the third day, Matt Critchley and Charlie Allison repelled the opening salvos on the final morning, but in the sixth over of the day, Somerset made the breakthrough that they had been craving.
Jack Leach found Critchley’s outside edge and a juggling Tom Abell did the rest at second slip. Critchley departed for 94 and the partnership with Allison had been worth a game altering 212. The relief around Taunton was palpable.
339 for four soon became 346 for five when Allison (114) edged Leach through to James Rew. The Essex batter received a warm ovation from those present as he made his way from the field.
Leach and Abell combined once more to account for Michael Pepper (4). Leach again found the edge and Abell leapt to his left to take a fine catch, again at second slip, as the visitors slipped to 350 for six, a lead of 39.
Leach claimed his fifth wicket of the innings when Noah Thain also edged to you know who at second slip.
Simon Harmer and Shane Snater then dug in and saw their side through to the lunch interval without further loss. As the players made for the dining room, the scoreboard was displaying 394, a lead for Essex of 83.
Archie Vaughan opened the bowling after the break from the River End and he struck with the fourth delivery of the session. It was an absolute beauty that was too good for Snater (14) who unwisely opted to leave one that turned back in nicely.
Harmer fell in similar fashion to the same bowler, but he at least offered a shot, and when Vaughan trapped Jamie Porter lbw for seven, Essex were all out for 412, a lead of 101.
Tom Lammonby and Josh Thomas (31) broke the back of the run chase, bringing up the Somerset 50 from just 41 balls, before the latter top edged a slog sweep off Harmer to Critchley with 59 on the board.
Lewis Goldsworthy (6) joined Lammonby in the middle with 43 runs still required but quickly departed after flicking Harmer straight to Snater at mid wicket.
It was left to Lammonby (39*) and Henry Nicholls (18*) to see their side to a comprehensive victory on the stroke of tea which keeps Somerset’s hopes of a maiden County Championship title very much alive.
