Essex edging towards the title despite Tom Lammonby century

NICK HOWSON AT LORD'S: Jamie Porter claimed 4-51 after the reigning County Championship holders took a crucial first innings lead

Lord's (fourth day of five): Somerset 301 & 227-7 v Essex 337

Scorecard

Essex took a giant step towards winning the inaugural Bob Willis Trophy on day four of the final against Somerset at Lord's.

After surpassing Somerset's first innings total, the reigning County Championship holders restricted their opponents to a lead of 191 with three second innings wickets remaining heading into the final throngs of the contest.

Tom Lammonby (117) struck a fine century, the third in his first six first class matches, but Jamie Porter (4-51) produced a stellar spell after tea to turn the contest back in Essex's favour.

Somerset closed on 227 for 7 and face a mammoth task to turn the match around, knowing they need quick runs on the fifth morning and then 10 wickets to clinch victory.

The likelihood, however, is Essex will claim their third red-ball trophy in four years at the home of cricket.

Anthony McGrath's side took a firm grip of the match inside the opening hour when they went past Somerset's first innings 301, and a took a lead which will give them the trophy if the match is drawn.

Lewis Gregory dismissed Porter and Simon Harmer to finish with 6-72 but by the time Essex had completed their 120-over allocation, their lead was a handy, if not problematic 36.

To the credit of Somerset they came out fighting and Ben Green and Lammonby put on 105 for the first wicket with some fine attacking strokes.

Harmer bowled three straight maidens but was quickly set upon by the opening pair, with Green (41) producing an extraordinary shot over cow corner for six - a definition of their ambitions and comfort on a benign surface.

Aaron Beard, who would later go off with a back injury, found the edge of Green's bat but that didn't affect the approach of 20-year-old Lammonby, whose attacking intent did not diminish.

Captain Tom Abell (15) fell cheaply but Lammonby brought up his third first class century in a row with Somerset's lead now over 100.

But Essex produced a counterattack which leaves them destined to add to their recent trophy haul on day five.

Eddie Byrom (1) was unable to back up his first innings century, George Barlett (5) holed out to Tom Westley and Lewis Gregory (1) edged to Sir Alastair Cook in the slips, with Porter the beneficiary on all four occasions.

Amidst the collapse, Harmer ended Lammonby's magnificent stand and claimed the wicket of Steven Davies (19) as Somerset lost five wickets for 57.

Their lead was a teasing 191 when the umpires, who had been looking skywards for much of the evening session finally called time to set up a fascinating last day where all three results are possible.

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