Somerset have momentum with them to help finish off season with title
“Now it’s just a case of finishing off the season the way we’ve played all year, but we know it’s going to be hard work."
TAUNTON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 02: Craig Overton of Somerset celebrates the wicket of Chris Cooke of Glamorgan during Day One of the Rothesay County Championship Division 1 match between Somerset and Glamorgan at The Cooper Associates County Ground on September 02, 2026 in Taunton, England. (Photo by Harry Trump/Getty Images)(Image: Getty Images)
CRAIG Overton says Somerset must “put in a performance” in their final two matches as there are “no easy wins” in Division One of the County Championship.
Somerset lead the standings going into the final two rounds of the competition after demolishing hosts Leicestershire by 377 runs this week. It means, therefore, that the West county are on the brink of a maiden title in red-ball cricket.
Overton said following the victory at Grace Road: “We’ve got a bit of momentum going into these last two games, but I think we’ve had momentum the whole year really, we’ve played a lot of good cricket.
“Now it’s just a case of finishing off the season the way we’ve played all year, but we know it’s going to be hard work.
“We’re up against teams in the bottom half of the table (Yorkshire and Surrey), but they’re still very good sides and there are no easy wins, so we know we’re going to have to turn up and put in a performance.
“We’ve been in this position a few times in recent seasons where we’ve been in with a chance.
“It doesn’t get any easier, but it’s nice having a lead at this stage. There could be a bit of rain around, so to be able to have four or five-point lead is quite a big thing.”
Overton led the way with four for 33 as Leicestershire were dismissed for 145 on Thursday, while Jack Leach took three for 30 and Lewis Gregory two for ten before going off.
Gregory is managing a hamstring complaint, but Overton said the skipper’s decision to go off was “precautionary”.
“With Lewis Gregory, it’s a bit more precautionary than anything,” added Overton.
“He’s just feeling a bit tight in his hamstring. He’s a big part of our team going into those last couple of games, so as much rest as he could get was the most important thing really, to be fit and ready for next week.”