Somerset's James Rew and Tom Kohler-Cadmore dominated the third day of the County Championship Division One match against Nottinghamshire at Taunton. Their unbroken second-wicket partnership of 207 runs put Somerset in a strong position, building on their slender first innings lead of nine runs. By the close of play, Somerset had reached 214-1, leading by a substantial 223 runs.
Rew, who has been in fine form against Nottinghamshire, remained unbeaten on 108, facing 157 balls and hitting 13 fours. Kohler-Cadmore was unbeaten on 94, from 153 deliveries, also with 13 boundaries. Their partnership was a key factor in Somerset's dominance.
The game took a significant turn when Somerset's young left-arm seamer, Alfie Ogborne, produced a remarkable spell. In the Notts first innings, he took three wickets in as many overs with the second new ball, reducing the visitors from a comfortable 268-4 to 284-7. This spell was a turning point, as it disrupted the Notts' momentum and set the stage for Somerset's victory.
The Notts' fourth-wicket stand of 92 between Joe Clarke and Jack Haynes was broken by Somerset's Craig Overton, who caught Haynes behind for 55. Kyle Verreynne was also dropped by Kohler-Cadmore at first slip, but Ogborne's spell soon after turned the tide. He bowled Verreynne lbw for 25 and Clarke for 92, both with deliveries that swung in off a perfect length.
Ogborne's performance continued into the second innings, where he had Lyndon James caught behind and almost claimed another victim, Liam Patterson-White, who was dropped by Overton. Jake Ball wrapped up the innings, having Rob Lord and Dillon Pennington caught by Rew and Kohler-Cadmore, respectively.
Somerset's second innings started poorly, with Josh Thomas trapped lbw by Pennington for six. However, Kohler-Cadmore and Rew took the score to 32-1 at tea, and they flourished in the final session, achieving a century stand off 145 balls. Rew, who has a history of scoring big against Notts, reached his second fifty with a reverse swept four off left-arm spinner Patterson-White.
Kohler-Cadmore followed to a half-century off 81 balls, with eight fours, as both began to accelerate. Rew took the total past 150 with a sumptuous extra cover driven four off Stone, and Kohler-Cadmore reached his 12th first-class hundred, an off-driven boundary off Patterson-White. Their performances were a testament to their skill and experience.
In conclusion, James Rew and Tom Kohler-Cadmore's partnership and individual performances were crucial in Somerset's dominance over Nottinghamshire. Their ability to adapt to the changing conditions and their strong batting skills contributed to a strong position going into the final day of the match.
