Somerset are safe with one game to spare

CRAIG Overton finished with match figures of seven for 74 as hosts Somerset guaranteed their Division One survival with a thumping 352-run Championship Division One win over visitors Northamptonshire at Taunton, writes Richard Latham.

Somerset began the final day by quickly extending their second innings total from 277 for one to 337 for four declared, centurions Tom Abell and Tom Lammonby falling for 115 and 110 respectively.

That set Northants a massive 462 to win, and they lost their first four wickets for 15 before being bowled out for 109.

Overton began the rout with a brilliant piece of fielding off his own bowling to run out Emilio Gay, and then claimed two for 36 to add to his first innings figures of five for 38. Josh Davey finished with three for 25.

Somerset took 22 points from the game to move into sixth place in the table, 25 clear of secondbottom Warwickshire going into the final round of fixtures, while Northants claimed four points.

Somerset director of cricket Andy Hurry said: “Historically we like to keep Somerset followers on the edge of their seats all the way through the 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 County Championship season strongly and want to keep that momentum going at Canterbury next week.

“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.”

Northamptonshire head of coaching John Sadler added: “We ran out of steam, and Somerset fully deserved to win the game, so all credit to them. Craig Overton has probably been the difference. He produced a touch of magic with the run out and followed up by taking two quick wickets to put us on the back foot. Some of our lads are running on empty both mentally and physically.”

LV County Championship Division One – Taunton: