SOMERSET’S endless search for the Holy Grail, the County Championship, goes on for another season after they lost to relegation threatened Lancashire by 168 runs.

The Cidermen’s hopes had been raised when they beat Surrey by 111 runs in the previous round to move to wthin eight points of the table toppers.

After beating Surrey again in the T20 semi final less than two days later, west country supporters were thinking that this might just be their year to lift the one trophy they have never won.

Sadly it wasn’t to be due mainly to another disappointing display from their top order batters and their inability to finish sides off with the ball.

After putting Lancashire into bat they were shot out for 140 in 40 overs, with Craig Overton taking four for 32 and Lewis Gregory four for 50.

What was required from the visitors was a large first innings lead that would create pressure on Lancashire when they batted for a second time.

Sadly what happened was almost the opposite as Somerset were bowled out for 146 in even fewer overs - 39.5.

After opener Andy Umeed was out first ball of the innings Tom Lammonby with 36 and Archie Vaughan (21) put  on 58 for the second wicket.

Tom Kohler-Cadmore was out for five off three balls after which Somerset slipped to 121 for nine before Gregory made 30 and put on 25 with Jack Leach (13).

Batting for a second time Lancashire were 168 for six before two lower order partnerships saw them to 398 all out. Newboy Brett Randall claimed three for 71 while Leach ended with three for 57.

Chasing a target of 393 for victory and with plenty of time to get them after losing Umeed cheaply Lammonby with 49 and Vaughan who made 69 off 121 balls saw Somerset onto 109 before four wickets fell and the visitors found themselves 155 for four.

Kasey Aldridge and James Rew added 49 before the former played a loose shot and was out for 19 off the last ball of day three.

Resuming on the final morning at 204 for six, still needing 189 to win. Somerset lost their remaining four wickets in the space of seven overs for the addition of 20 runs as they were all out for 224. Rew was the last wicket to fall having batted patiently for his 31 runs which came off 91 balls.

In the same round of matches Surrey and Hampshire both won which meant that Somerset slipped to third in the table with their hopes of winning the championship over for yet another summer, much to the disappointment of their supporters.