SOMERSET pulled off an impressive three-wicket victory over joint leaders Essex at the end of two days of high octane cricket at Taunton, a result that sees them climb into second place in the table.

Essex started the day on six without loss leading by 34 runs when Josh Davey gave the Cidermen a dream start when he had Dean Elgar caught by ‘keeper James Rew with the score on 11.

Next over vice captain Craig Overton accounted for Sam Cook before Davey struck again this time removing Tom Westley with the total on 37.

Nick Browne took his score onto 23 when he was caught by Tom Lammonby off Lewis Gregory.

Matt Critchley was then joined by Jordan Cox and the pair saw up the 100 but after taking his own score onto 21 Davey had him caught by Rew.

With Essex on 106 for five the Somerset bowlers produced their best to remove the remaining wickets for the addition of 32 runs as they were all out for 138 in 51.3 overs.

Davey ended with three for 20 from his 11 overs while Gregory took three for 23 from 9.3 and there were two each for Ball aNd Overton.

Chasing a total of 157 for victory Matt Renshaw and Sean Dickson gave Somerset a good start by adding 75 before Renshaw was leg before to Cook for 35 in the 16th over.

Dickson looked to be settled and next over drove Porter to the wide cover boundary before he was caught by ‘keeper Harry Duke for 42.

With the total on 83 for two new batters Tom Lammonby and Andy Umeed steadied the situation before Umeed stepped up and hit three fours, but with the score on 99 Lammonby was LBW to Shane Snater.

Somerset needed 68 runs with seven wickets remaining as Tom Banton strode out to join Umeed who in the next over drove Porter to the boundary to see up the 100. Umeed hit several more lusty blows but with 47 still needed he was caught at second slip off Snater for 34.

A classic straight drive to the boundary by Banton off Porter followed by a square drive to cut the rope reduced the target but next over a loose shot by Pretorius saw him caught, making Somerset 135 for five - still 32 needed.

The hosts weren’t making it easy for themselves nor for the good sized crowd of 1300 people who were on the edge of their seats by now willing their heroes to victory.

As the target reduced the tension mounted and with 15 needed James Rew was bowled by Snater for six. Banton was joined by Gregory and it was Banton who drove Snater down the ground to reduce the target to single figures. 

With four needed and as the match went into the extra half an hour Banton was out caught by Critchley off Snater for a patient 29 off 50 balls.

Overton walked out and hit his first ball into the air and it landed just over mid off’s head.  Three needed Gregory scampered two off the next ball to tie the scores.

The first ball of the next over Overton made no mistake as he swung Ported to the mid wicket boundary to see his side to 170 for seven and victory by three wickets from which they take 19 points.

On the opening day after being asked to bat first Essex were bowled out for 156 with Pretorious claiming four for 36 while Jake Ball and Overton claimed two each.

Somerset replied with 128 all out, Lammonby top scoring with 39 and Umeed hitting 31.