Somerset guarantee their top-flight status
Craig Overton finished with match figures of 7-74 as Somerset guaranteed their First Division survival with a thumping 352-run LV= County Championship win over Northamptonshire at Taunton last week.
The hosts began the final day by quickly extending their second innings total from 277-1 to 337-4 declared, centurions Tom Abell and Tom Lammonby falling for 115 and 110 respectively.
That set Northamptonshire a massive 462 to win. They lost their first four wickets for 15 before being bowled out for 109 in 30.4 overs.
Overton began the rout with a brilliant piece of fielding off his own bowling to run out Emilio Gay and then claimed 2-36 to add to his first innings figures of 5-38. Josh Davey finished with 3-25.
Somerset took 22 points from the game to move into sixth place in the Division One table, 25 clear of second-from-bottom Warwickshire, while Northants, themselves safe from the drop, claimed four.
After the game, Somerset director of cricket Andy Hurry said: “Historically, we like to keep Somerset followers on the edge of their seats all the way through a season and we have been true to that again.
“We played what turned out to be the top two teams twice early on, which made it a tough start, but we never lost hope or faith in the players and have seen some progression in recent games, particularly with our batting.
“We still have a way to travel, but we are finishing the Championship season strongly.
“Craig Overton showed what he brings to our side. We want all our players to achieve international aspirations, but it’s great that those who do go off with England show a real desire to play for Somerset when they return and Craig exemplifies that.”
During last week’s momentous win, Somerset announced the signing of 30-year-old opening batter Sean Dickson from Durham on a three-year deal ahead of the 2023 season. The right-hander, who has also represented Kent, has a proven track record in First Class cricket scoring over 4,700 runs at an average of 35.34 with a best of 318. So far this season, Dickson is averaging 54.93, having scored four hundreds.
Hurry said: “To secure a player of Sean’s quality is a coup for the club. He is a proven performer with the bat at this level and has strong aspirations to play on the very highest stage.
“We have been looking to strengthen our batting at the top of the order and Sean fits that bill perfectly. He has started to establish himself as one of the more consistent openers within the English domestic game and will certainly add something to our dressing room.
“Sean is a player that we’ve been monitoring for a while, and once we were aware of his availability it was paramount that we acted quickly.”
Dickson added: “I’m delighted to be joining Somerset. They are a great club with a long tradition and I’m looking forward to getting started. I’ve admired how they go about playing the game from afar and it’s evident when playing against them that there is a genuine buzz about the place. I can’t wait to get started.
“It’s an exciting challenge and I will be working hard to help the club win trophies. By doing that I will hopefully move myself closer to fulfilling my goals within the game over the next few years.”
Dickson may get the chance to bat alongside wicket-keeper James Rew after he signed a contract extension to remain with Somerset until at least the end of the 2025 season. The former King’s College student, who also plays for Taunton St Andrews, has been part of Somerset’s player pathway since under10 level.
He made his Somerset debut against Yorkshire in last year’s Royal London Cup and the 18-yearold has put in some impressive performances for the Somerset Seconds.
After signing, Rew said: “I’m very pleased to have signed this extension. It’s my dream to play here, so to add another year is great. I’ve loved the experience so far, so this is very special for me.
“Playing for Somerset is everything I’ve ever dreamed of. I love this team, and everyone has made me feel really welcome and involved.
“I want to keep playing in the First Team and put in performances that help the side win matches. The ultimate goal would be to help us win the Championship.”
Somerset returned to action for their final game of the County Championship season on Monday. By the end of day two on Tuesday against Kent, Somerset found themselves way behind as Kent secured their own Division One status after reaching 405-7 - after Somerset had been bowled out for 202.
Lewis Goldsworthy was Somerset’s top-scorer with 94.
After the second day, Jason Kerr said: “Conditions are set fair for two days and I think it’s personal pride now. Some guys have had brilliant seasons in there and some are fighting for opportunities, so there’s no better way of finishing the season ”