Somerset Stun Surrey in Thrilling County Championship Finish

Somerset's thrilling victory over Surrey in the County Championship Division One has reignited the title race, with the defending champions' lead now reduced to eight points. The match witnessed a dramatic final session, with Somerset securing victory with just minutes remaining.

Tom Banton, who had top-scored for Somerset in the first innings with 132, suffered a setback when he rolled his ankle while playing football. The injury is expected to rule him out of Saturday's Blast semi-final rematch against Surrey.

Archie Vaughan, the son of former England captain Michael Vaughan, emerged as a hero for Somerset, claiming match figures of 11 for 140. Jack Leach also played a crucial role, taking 9 for 142.

Surrey's collapse from 95 for 3 to 109 all out in the final session handed Somerset the victory. Somerset captain Lewis Gregory praised his team's resilience and highlighted the exceptional performances of Vaughan and Leach.

"It was a crazy hour at the end," Gregory said. "There were periods when not much happened, but the lads hung in there and Jack Leach and Archie Vaughan were fantastic the whole game."

Surrey head coach Gareth Batty acknowledged the team's concentration lapse in the final hour but remained confident in their ability to retain the title.

"We had a concentration lapse for the last hour of the game and it cost us the result," Batty said. "We are still top of the league and eight points clear."

With two rounds of the Championship remaining, Surrey's destiny remains in their own hands. They will host Durham at home before traveling to Chelmsford to face Essex. Somerset, meanwhile, will aim to maintain their momentum and challenge for a domestic treble, having already progressed to the One-Day Cup final.

Tags: #CountyChampionship, #Somerset, #Surrey, #TomBanton, #ArchieVaughan