Brilliant half-century sees Somerset into the last eight

TOM Kohler-Cadmore smashed a brilliant half-century to propel Somerset to a convincing 95-run victory over Essex Eagles at the Cooper Associates Ground on Tuesday night and guaranteed the runaway South Group leaders a place in the quarter finals of the Vitality Blast.

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In scintillating form beneath the Taunton floodlights, the 30-year-old right hander staged a breathtaking innings of 90 from just 39 balls, striking eight fours and seven sixes and dominating stands of 88 and 55 with Will Smeed (32) and Tom Abell for the second and third wickets respectively as Somerset ran up an imposing 225-6.

Sean Dickson also weighed in with 28 not out.

Undermined by overseas bowlers Matt Henry (4-21) and Riley Meredith (2-22), the Essex chase came up well short as the visitors were dismissed for 130 in 14.1 overs.

This latest victory moves Somerset 12 points clear of nearest rivals Surrey.

Speaking after the game, Kohler-Cadmore said: “That was a real team performance and a great win for us. I think that puts us into the quarter finals, which is great. We had partnerships all the way down and then did really well with the ball and produced a nice fielding display.

“The groundsmen produce absolutely belting pitches here week in and week out and it’s just a pleasure to bat on them. I’m lucky to be able to bat on these surfaces and the wind helped me as well in this game.

“Will Smeed has taken his game to a different level this year and the partnership we put together was a really important one. He puts the bowlers under so much pressure when he’s on strike, that it seems like they’re giving me easier balls.