Somerset County Gazette
·24 Aug 2026
Somerset defeat Essex by seven wickets to keep title push
Somerset strengthened their bid for a first Rothesay County Championship Division One title by defeating Essex by eight wickets at Taunton, despite the headline stating seven. Jack Leach took nine wickets in the match, including five for 81 in Essex’s second innings, as Essex were dismissed for 412 after resuming on 314 for three. Somerset chased a target of 102 in 19.2 overs, with Tom Lammonby unbeaten on 39 and Josh Thomas scoring 31. The win earned Somerset 22 points and moved them within two points of leaders Nottinghamshire.