Somerset’s hopes of securing their maiden Vitality County Championship title hang precariously after a challenging third day at Emirates Old Trafford. Needing 393 runs to overcome Lancashire, they ended the day on 204 for 6, still requiring 189 runs to achieve their target.
Lancashire resumed their second innings on 298 for 7, with Luke Wells and George Balderson adding 100 runs for the eighth wicket. Wells reached his second century of the season, scoring 130 before falling to Jack Leach’s reverse-sweep attempt. Tom Bailey and Balderson also departed, leaving Lancashire all out for 398.
Somerset’s chase began disastrously as Andy Umeed was dismissed for a duck. However, Archie Vaughan and Tom Lammonby steadied the ship with a 105-run partnership. Vaughan reached his maiden first-class fifty, but Lammonby was bowled for 49. Tom Abell’s dismissal to Anderson Phillip left Somerset on 146 for 4.
In the evening session, Vaughan was caught for 68, and Tom Kohler-Cadmore followed suit. Kacey Aldridge and James Rew resisted Lancashire’s attack until Wells struck a crucial blow, dismissing Aldridge for 19. Balderson has taken two wickets so far, leaving Somerset with a daunting task ahead.
Should Somerset fail to chase down the target, Lancashire will be relegated to Division Two. Nottinghamshire’s performance in their match against Warwickshire will also determine Lancashire’s fate, as they need ten points to secure their own safety.
