Byrom knock dents Essex’s hopes

Somerset v Essex – The Bob Willis Trophy Final – Day Two – Lord’s – Summary

Somerset 301 (102.0 overs)
Essex 0/0 (0.0 overs)
Essex won the toss and elected to bowl

Somerset enjoyed much the better of proceedings with Edward Byrom’s century heaping pressure on Essex following the second days play at Lord’s

Byrom continued to lead the Somersets revival, reaching 117 from a 312-minute stint in the middle. He was eventually trapped lbw by Sam Cook – the most successful of the Essex attack with figures of 5/76.

Simon Harmer and Jamie Porter each took two wickets. But Craig Overton’s chipped in with 66 as Somerset topped 300 – a total which had looked highly unlikely earlier in the contest. Nevertheless, Essex gave themselves a foothold by taking the final five Somerset wickets for just 35 runs.

Inclement weather conditions again claimed a sizable amount the days play. Nick Browne and Alastair Cook had strode forward to open the Essex innings and see the precarious final three overs. However, with the light fading fast, they were immediately sent back to the pavilion – play is due to resume on Friday at 10:30am.

Somerset: Ben Green, Tom Lammonby, Tom Abell (Capt), George Bartlett, Edward Byrom, Steve Davies (WK), Lewis Gregory, Craig Overton, Josh Davey, Jack Leach, Jack Brooks

Essex: Nick Browne, Alastair Cook, Tom Westley (Capt), Dan Lawrence, Paul Walter, Ryan ten Doeschate, Adam Wheater (WK), Simon Harmer, Aaron Beard, Sam Cook, Jamie Porter

Officials: Robert Bailey, Russell Warren, Dean Cosker