Well, that wasn't what was wanted, a 2-day loss. Well done Somerset - I don't think the pitch was up to standard, but no-one can control the weather. Vic Marks suggested it would become truer as it dried out, so it was a good toss to win. So it appeared. The clincher was the 75-run partnership for the first wicket in Somerset's second innings. If Essex had had another 20 or 30 runs to bowl at, then I reckon they could well have won.
Kent ought to beat Lancs, given that there's a day to go, but they don't want Lancs setting them too stiff a target. I feel a bit sorry for Lancs - they seem to have become a weaker side this season: last year, and the year before, Essex and Lancs seemed to be well-matched, with a win a piece, and I think Lancs were the only team to beat Surrey last year. This year they simply haven't got going. Essex beat them with the greatest of ease a few weeks back.