Somerset "not mentioning the title" as historic Championship looms

Coach Jason Kerr has heeded caution as the Taunton club claim another win to return to the top of Division One of the County Championship

Somerset might have taken another giant stride towards their maiden County Championship title but coach Jason Kerr has banned any mention of the prospect of ending their long wait for the elusive piece of silverware.

Victory over Yorkshire by 298 runs took the Taunton club above Essex and back to the top of Division One with two matches to play.

And with Essex set to draw their game at Warwickshire, Somerset will lead the table heading into the final two matches of the campaign.

But despite being perilously close to a moment of history, Kerr is desperate to keep his team's feet on the ground.

"I am not mentioning the title in the dressing room. Of course, we are aware of people outside discussing it because it would be a first for the club and has long been described as the 'Holy Grail'," explained Kerr.

"But we want to continue focusing on one game at a time and going about things the way we have done all season. 

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"We try to build pressure on the opposition, which is something the lads have done really well, and if you do it for long enough, the rewards will come."

After being bowled out for just 199 on day one, Somerset were in debt to Josh Davey who on just his fourth Championship outing of the season took 3-30 as Yorkshire were skittled for just 103.

And after the hosts set an unlikely target of 426 to win, Davey returned with a five-for including the last three wickets to finish with career-best match figures of 8-51.

"Tom Abell and I had a discussion before the game and thought the pitch would suit Josh Davey," admitted Kerr. "He has had a frustrating season because of an injury at the wrong time and has not played as often as he would have liked.

"So it was great to see him return career-best figures. Now it is on to Hampshire next week. There will be some tricky selection decisions ahead of that game because we are creating an environment where everyone is desperate to play."