Surrey has clinched the County Championship title for the third consecutive year, marking the first time since Yorkshire's three-peat between 1966 and 1968. Their 10-wicket victory over Durham, finalized on Thursday at the Oval, left Somerset needing to defeat Lancashire at Old Trafford to prolong the title race to the final round of fixtures. This win secured Surrey's eighth victory of the season.
Somerset, starting Friday needing 189 runs to win with only four wickets in hand, faced immediate trouble as Luke Wells bowled Lewis Gregory with a googly on the very first ball. The remaining three wickets fell within half an hour, as Lancashire sealed a 168-run victory, allowing Surrey to commence their celebrations.
"It's a testament to the entire squad and staff who have worked tirelessly over a long period," said Surrey's head coach, Gareth Batty. "Achieving this for three years running is incredibly satisfying. We'll enjoy today and then get back to work tomorrow to do it all over again."
Players and staff gathered in the Oval dressing room on Friday morning to witness Somerset's unsuccessful chase against Lancashire. Surrey has one match left in this year's campaign, an away game against Essex starting next Thursday. Meanwhile, Lancashire faces Worcestershire in their final game, but their Division One survival is uncertain even if they win, as it may hinge on Nottinghamshire's match against Warwickshire at Trent Bridge.
