Seventh successive defeat for Somerset

SOMERSET slipped to their third straight defeat in the LV= Insurance County Championship with a three wicket loss to early pacesetters Surrey at the Kia Oval.

Surrey, needing 237 to win a fiercely-contested Division One match, completed the task just before 5pm on yesterday’s final afternoon.

Ryan Patel continued his fine start to the season with a matchwinning 102, his fourth wicket partnership of 66 with Ben Foakes proving decisive.

Foakes, who earlier passed fit to resume playing after concussion tests, following his nasty collision with Jamie Overton on day three, played skilfully for 48 not out after joining Patel at 106 for three, Surrey having just lost both Hashim Amla, for 14, and Ollie Pope, for 5, in the first half-hour after lunch.

When Patel finally fell, edging Josh Davey behind after a superb 133-ball innings featuring 14 fours and plenty of judicious attacking intent, Surrey’s total had reached 172 and much of the hard work had been done.

Sam Curran’s breezy 33, including two sixes off Jack Leach, helped Foakes to steer Surrey across the finishing line.

It is a sorry seventh successive championship defeat for Somerset, going back to the end of last summer. Surrey take 21 points and Somerset six.

Somerset head coach Jason Kerr said: “This was an improved performance after the first two weeks but not the result in the end that we wanted.

“Tom Abell was outstanding in both innings, and Tom Banton also batted well on his return to the side.

“We have to turn things around, there is no choice. It’s a challenge for me and for everyone. There have been robust conversations in the dressing room and it’s important to keep doing what we’ve been doing in practice. One or two players are struggling a bit individually but collectively it’s very good in the dressing room.” Surrey 308 & 239 for 7 beat Somerset 337 and 207 by 3 wickets