Somerset 150 (Dickson 42, Sams 4-20) beat Essex 138 (Pepper 63, Henry 3-17, Green 3-24) by 12 runs

There was an apple rolling contest at Taunton through the interval but it surely would possibly nicely be fermented apples which might be extra to the style of Somerset supporters after they emerged triumphant from a taut Blast contest to increase their profitable begin to the season to 6 matches.

Somerset's profitable streak is unsurpassed of their T20 historical past as they threaten to run away with South Group. Their model of thrilling batting has lengthy been recognised, however this was one other victory in a decent sport, a lot in line with their toppling of Kent 5 days earlier - besides accompanied by solar moderately than rain - and such wins are sometimes extra useful in ingraining a profitable mentality.

"I'm bowling a few lob-ups and they keep getting hit to the fielders," Green supplied by the use of rationalization.

For Somerset to tug the sport spherical was significantly spectacular contemplating that Craig Overton, so typically their inspiration, leaked 38 from three overs with Pepper to the fore. But Matt Critchley's mis-pull to lengthy leg was nicely snaffled by van der Merwe and Somerset may additionally afford to drop Pepper on 28 - a tough diving catch to Henry at fly slip.

He must be feeling refreshed, having not taken the sector on this season's IPL, and with an English summer season forward, he's trying to repeat final season's success when he helped Essex to the Blast quarter-finals and was a member of the Trent Rockets facet that received the Hundred.

Essex had been late starters on this season's competitors, however Sams' left-arm seam is already trying in good order. He took the final three wickets to reinforce his figures, however his first spell made a decisive breakthrough with the vital wicket of Lammonby.

Lammonby was shunted again to opener within the absence of Banton and he monopolised the early strike to make 34 from 23, often stepping to leg to free his arms. When Sams adopted him, he plopped him over the pavilion and simply wanting the River Tone. The subsequent ball was full and slower and Lammonby was bowled as he performed throughout it.

Of his three wickets on the tail-end of the innings, essentially the most spectacular was that of van der Merwe. Sams flung the ball vast of off stump, van der Merwe, on the stretch, contrived to chip it over his head and Sams, thick-set however nonetheless cellular, made wonderful floor to assert the catch.

With Will Smeed holing out at deep sq. for a single (Somerset's white-ball freelance now has 70 runs in six knocks); Kohler-Cadmore's apparent menace silenced by Harmer's juggling return catch, diving low to his left; and Tom Abell sweeping Critchley's second ball, flat and brief, to deep sq., Somerset had been 71 for 4 with the innings into the tenth over.

When he was seventh out, failing to hit Harmer over long-on, Somerset had been 125 for 7 and with 19 balls left would have nonetheless had ambitions of sneaking to 155-160, just for the excellence of Sams to limit them.

David Hopps writes on county cricket for ESPNcricinfo @davidkhopps