IN one of the most amazing championship matches seen at Taunton for many years, Somerset beat Surrey by 111 runs to keep their dreams of winning the championship alive.

The highlights of this match that gripped those watching throughout and saw the fortunes change both ways were an 11-wicket haul from 18-year-old Archie Vaughan and a century from Tom Banton, who subsequently injured his ankle in the warm-up on the third morning.

After winning the toss Somerset promoted Vaughan to open and the youngster gave a good account of himself making 44 off 107 balls before he was out making the hosts 91 for three.

Tom Abell added 63 with Banton before he was out after which Rew came to the wicket to take the score onto 262 before he was fifth wicket to fall on 262.

Banton duly went to his century but after he was out for 132 off 172 balls with 16 fours and a six, Somerset collapsed from 305 for five to 317 all out.

When Surrey replied they looked to be in trouble against the spin duo of Leach and Vaughan at 228 for eight before Tom Curran blasted 86 off 75  balls and the visitors were eventually all out for 321 a lead of four runs.

Vaughan ended with a career best six for 102 from 37 overs while Leach claimed four for 105 from 48.2.

Somerset’s found themselves in trouble batting for a second time and slumped to 153 for nine before Banton who was injured in the warm up before the start of limped out to bat with a runner.

Along with Craig Overton the last wicket pair added 71 in 13 overs before Banton was out for 46 off 65 balls, leaving Overton unbeaten on 49.

Needing 221 for victory with the score on 95 for three Surrey looked well placed to at least bat out for a draw . 

However what happened in the last hour of the game had to be seen to be believed as one by one spin twins Vaughan and Leach picked off the Surrey batters.

With just three minutes of the match remaining Leach  claimed the final wicket of Dan Worrall and Surrey were all out for 109 which set off one of the biggest celebrations witnessed for many years.

Leach ended the second innings with five for 37 which gave him match figures of nine for 42, while Vaughan finished with five for 38, and 11 for 140 for the match.

This was a game that had to be seen to be believed from which Somerset take 21 points to close the gap on the leaders to eight with two games left.