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James and Craig steer Somerset to sensational win over Essex
James Rew and Craig Overton steer Somerset to a sensational three-wicket win over Essex on the final day of this Rothesay County Championship Division One match at the Cooper Associates County Ground.
Rew played beautifully in making his 10th First Class century whilst Overton produced an unbeaten half century which took Somerset over the line to clinch a remarkable victory in a game which had seemed beyond the the home side just 24 hours ago.
When Somerset slipped to 78 for five, chasing 321 to win, it looked as though there would only be one winner. However, Jason Kerr’s side had other ideas!
The hosts resumed on 216 for six this morning, still requiring what seemed an unlikely 105 runs, but the batting side showed tremendous spirit and character and ultimately snatched victory from the jaws of defeat.
Rew began the day on 65 and by the time he left the field to a standing ovation he had reached 116 from 189 deliveries, with 18 fours. His seventh-wicket stand of 133 with Overton broke the back of the run chase and broke Essex spirits.
Overton ended the game 25 minutes before lunch with a big straight six off Simon Harmer, which not only clinched Somerset’s first win of the season but also took him to a 111-ball half-century.
Morning cloud cover in Taunton would have spurred on the Essex attack ahead of the opening delivery of the day with the knowledge that a new ball would be available after 12 overs. However, Overton and Rew resisted the efforts of Sam Cook and Harmer.
The 50 partnership arrived courtesy of back to back boundaries off Cook from Somerset’s ‘keeper/batter.
The new ball was taken at 258 for six, with a further 63 needed and Essex in desperate need of a breakthrough. However, the wicket was not forthcoming.
As the number of runs required for victory receded, Rew went to three figures from 161 balls and all of a sudden the hosts were in the driving seat. The hundred partnership arrived with the target reduced to just 42 and the pair eased their side past the 300-mark.
Essex once again turned to Harmer for inspiration and he obliged, trapping Rew lbw. The 21-year-old was clearly disappointed not to have been there for the climax, but the crowd rose as one to applaud him from the field in appreciation of his mammoth contribution.
Nine runs were still required when Migael Pretorius joined Overton in the middle, but any last nerves amongst the Somerset faithful were put aside as Overton drove Harmer for four and then smashed the ball back over his head to seal the dramatic win and spark celebrations at the CACG.
Somerset take 19 points from the match whilst Essex were forced to settle for just three.
