Somerset take charge in Bob Willis Trophy final thanks to Eddie Byrom century

NICK HOWSON AT LORD'S: The 23-year-old hit 117 as the Taunton club got the better of Essex during another heavily-disrupted day at the home of cricket

Lord's (second day of five): Somerset 301 v Essex

Scorecard

Eddie Byrom struck a fine century as Somerset took a grip of the Bob Willis Trophy final against Essex at Lord's.

The Zimbabwean battled to 117 and put on 127 with Craig Overton (66) as the reigning county champions were put to the sword.

After two hours and 35 minutes were lost to rain, Sam Cook (5-76) and Jamie Porter (2-80) combined to take three wickets in 20 deliveries as Tom Westley's side mounted a late comeback on the second evening but they remain on the back foot.

Simon Harmer (2-36) was left wicketless from his first 19 overs but claimed two from his last to dismiss Somerset for 301.

Sir Alastair Cook and Nick Browne then guided Essex to 2 for 0 at the close to set-up an intriguing final three days of the contest.

In stark contrast to the first morning, bright sunshine met the return of both sets of players for day two at Lord's.

And after Cook got rid of Steve Davies (27) after a tight start with the ball, it was Somerset who basked in the glow as they revelled in the improved batting conditions.

A dogged Byrom was able to score more freely while Overton combined flamboyance with a determined occupation of the crease.

Once Cook and Porter's first spells concluded, the pair picked off Harmer and took the game to Aaron Beard and Paul Walter who were unable to hit their straps.

Overton reached his second half-century of the season in the over before lunch and though Byram was left three short of his third first-class century he went to the milestone five balls after the resumption.

However, only 29 minutes were possible following the break as the rain led to a break of two hours and 35 minutes.

When we did return at 4:30pm is was Essex who got a foothold in the game. They took the last five Somerset wickets for just 35 runs but couldn't prevent their opponents surpassing the 300 mark.

Porter trapped Overton (66) lbw before Cook did the same to dismiss Byrom and Lewis Gregory (9). Harmer then returned to claim wickets with his final two deliveries as Somerset were bowled out for 301.

Three overs were remaining but bad light ensured Essex's attempt to reduce the arrears will have to wait until day three. 

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