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Bob Willis Trophy •

Bob Willis Trophy final: Essex are champions at Lord's

Essex hold on to draw with Somerset and take the Bob Willis Trophy on first-innings score

Essex 337/8 & 179/6 drew with Somerset 301 & 272/7d and won by first innings total

EAGLES FLY HIGH
Another year. Another title for Essex. Three red-ball pieces of silverware in four seasons speaks for their consistency and desire to keep collecting trophies. Their dominance of the tournament was further demonstrated with Sir Alastair Cook and Simon Harmer finishing top of the most runs and most wickets lists, respectively.

POWER OF TENDO
It may not be the part of the game that gets noticed or rewarded with video replays, but Ryan ten Doeschate's 136-ball 46 epitomised the grit and determination that Essex have personified over the past four years. That ability to knuckle down and do the hard graft when it's not quite going your way. On this occasion that meant digging in during an overcast, nerve-shredding last day against arguably the best bowling attack in county cricket, in a true team effort.

SOMERSET ON CIDERMEN'S HOPES
Once again Somerset put in a top effort but failed to get over the line and claim a First-Class title. Having thrown down a 336-run gauntlet to Essex, Somerset looked to be in charge of the final day as they took three early wickets, including that of Alastair Cook. However they couldn't build on their good morning's work and were left frustrated by Essex's middle order and bad light, which restricted the demolition job Craig Overton was attempting to impart.

ALASTAIR COOKED
It's not often you see Sir Alastair Cook bemused by a decision in the middle, but when the finger went up and his second innings effort officially over, the former England skipper raised a wry smile. It proved to be the turning point in the match. Would you have given it out?

GRAND FINALE
Last, but not least, congrats to two great teams for putting on a scintillating show to complete the Bob Willis Trophy. Across five days we were treated to engrossing cricket as the game shifted from one team and then the other. It was a wonderful way to end the red-ball season. Thank you Essex and Somerset.

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