Surrey avoided defeat but limped away from Taunton as they finished seventh in Rothesay County Championship Division One. It was their lowest position since returning to the elite a decade ago, with just two wins from 14 matches, along with eight draws and four defeats.
Surrey's lowest finish since return to elite
The final six weeks of the season had been spent worrying about relegation rather than pursuing the summit, which they have relished in recent years. A hat-trick of titles and last year's runners-up spot have conditioned Surrey and their followers to high expectations, but they may have to become accustomed to more modest fare during what seems an inevitable transition period.
Somerset had started the match in second place and were still hoping to win the Championship for the first time in their history. Their remaining hopes quickly drained away as leaders Warwickshire crushed Leicestershire to confirm their first triumph for five years.
Lawrence's century and Somerset's response
Surrey appeared to make the most of winning the toss, with Dan Lawrence's 139 providing his sixth century of the season. Dominic Sibley (72) and Ben Foakes (64) guided the visitors to 422 all out.
But an injury to Indian leg-spinner Rahul Chahar, preventing him bowling and seeing him replaced by youngster Ralphie Albert, was made worse by off-spinner Lawrence being called into England's squad for the one-day international series against Sri Lanka.
Somerset took full advantage by amassing 731 all out, built around a mammoth fourth-wicket stand of 334 between opener Tom Lammonby (229) and Tom Abell, who became only the eighth player from his county to score a triple-century in his 307 from 407 balls.
Match drawn as season concludes
Left to bat out the match on day four, Surrey limped to 127-5 and were grateful when the umpires called time on the match and season. The draw confirmed Surrey's final position of seventh, marking a significant drop from their recent championship-winning form.
