Essex win Bob Willis Trophy as Somerset are left frustrated again

NICK HOWSON AT LORD'S: A fifth-day rearguard delivered Essex their third red-ball trophy in four years and consigned the Cidermen to another runners-up finish as their wait for first-class honours goes on

Lord's (fifth day of five): Somerset 301 & 272-7d v Essex 337-8 & 179-6 - Match drawn

Scorecard

Essex have won the inaugural Bob Willis Trophy after holding off a desperate Somerset at Lord's.

Tom Abell's side needed 10 wickets in 80 overs to claim their maiden first-class trophy in 129 years but were left frustrated again.

Ryan ten Doeschate led the rearguard with 46 off 137 deliveries as Essex edged their way to a draw with four second innings wickets in hand.

Despite the stalemate, Essex win the trophy having led by 36 runs after both teams had batted once.

Lewis Gregory and Jack Leach, who claimed his first scalps for 10 months, claimed two and three wickets respectively but it was a familiar tale on the big stage for the Taunton club.

Somerset suffered at the hands of Essex in the County Championship decider 12 months ago when they finished as runners-up for a sixth occasion, and lightning struck again this time at the home of cricket.

It gives the team led by Tom Westley, in his first season as captain, a third red ball trophy in four years and underlines their status as the dominant long-form team in the country.

Day five promised another thrilling finale between the two best teams in county cricket and some quick runs in the morning session for Somerset set-up a quick declaration.

^{Jack Leach claimed two wickets but it was not enough for Somerset}

Craig Overton hit an unbeaten 45 as part of a 48-run partnership for the eighth wicket alongside Josh Davey (16 not out).

Set a target of 237 to win the match, Essex knew they could afford to bat out the day to claim yet another piece of silverware.

After a quick start, Somerset make early inroads as Nick Browne (13) and Westley (0) were dismissed with just 26 on the board and more than 70 overs to bowl.

Sir Alastair Cook, fresh from his first innings 172, was typically dogged and he and Dan Lawrence helped Essex to lunch without any further damage.

But soon after the resumption, Somerset claimed the key wicket of the former England captain (31) who was given out after appearing to feather the ball behind off Gregory.

Lawrence (35) followed as Leach claimed a first wicket in any cricket since November 2019, to leave Essex 98 for 4 and starring down the barrel of a fifth-day defeat.

Ten Doeschate and Paul Walter dug in, soaking up 100 deliveries either side of the tea break to all-but break Somerset's resolve.

Walter (21), who had earlier survived a king pair, departed as Leach collected his second but Ten Doeschate - playing in his 185th first-class match for Essex - was steadfast in his approach before he got out lazily in the penultimate over.

However, a remarkable turnaround was not possible as another piece of silverware heads to Chelmsford.

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