The New York Mets beat the Milwaukee Brewers 4-2 in Game 3 of the National League wild card series to advance to the NLDS where they will face the Philadelphia Phillies. The Mets trailed 2-0 heading into the ninth inning, but Pete Alonso played the hero hitting the go-ahead home run with one out.

It was a moment Mets fans will never forget. Fans back home at Citi Field went crazy, and those listening on the radio got to hear veteran play-by-play announcer Howie Rose call the homer on Mets Radio.

Rose, who has been calling Mets games various places since the 1990s, did not disappoint.

"Williams sets. Here's the pitch," Rose began as Alonso stood at the plate. "Swing and a fly ball to right field. Pretty well hit. Frelick back at the wall. He jumps. It's gone! He did it! He did it! Pete Alonso with the most memorable home run of his career! Pumps his fist as he rounds second. It's a three-run homer. He's given the Mets a three to two lead.

"They all pour out of the dugout. Alonso on his way to home plate. They're waiting for him. He hits the plate. He is first congratulated by Nimmo. Hugged by Lindor. There are a dozen Mets waiting for him outside the dugout. Pete Alonso keeps this fairytale season going with the fairytale swing of his career. Three to two New York!"

Great moment. Great call. What more could you ask for?

Sri Lanka collapse sensationally after Kusal Mendis’ 20-ball fifty

Andrew Fidel Fernando05-Jul-2025

Left-arm spinner Tanvir Islam ripped out Sri Lanka’s middle order after Bangladesh’s batters had scrapped together a workable 248, thanks to gritty half-centuries from Parvez Hossain Emon and Towhid Hridoy.The defining period of Sri Lanka’s chase was the patch between the tenth and 30th overs, when they lost five wickets for 57 runs off 122 balls. Although Janith Liyanage produced a valiant 78 off 85 balls, the lower order was simply left with too much to accomplish. They eventually fell short by 16 runs.Sri Lanka’s loss was despite a scorching 56 off 31 balls by Kusal Mendis, who had smote his way to a 20-ball fifty – the fastest ever for men’s ODIs at this venue, and the fourth fastest ever by a Sri Lanka batter (Kusal is also third on this list). Seam bowler Asitha Fernando had also been impressive, taking 4 for 35 in his nine overs. In fact, Sri Lanka had bowled out Bangladesh as early as the 46th over.But ultimately, Bangladesh put on the more impressive team performance. Though their best batting partnership was worth only 63, Emon, Hridoy and later Tanzim Hasan Sakib made valuable contributions that kept the total ticking even while wickets fell. Sakib’s contribution, a stroke-filled 33 not out off 21 balls, proved invaluable in the end.All told, it was Sri Lanka’s middle-order collapse that defined the outcome. Tanvir, the hero of that passage, had in fact begun quite poorly, conceding 22 runs in his first two overs with Kusal hitting him for three fours and a six. But captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz persisted with him inside the powerplay, and Tanvir rewarded him with Nishan Madushka’s wicket in the tenth over, as the batter sent an outside edge aerially to backward point after Tanvir had beaten him in the flight.His work through the middle overs was much more impressive. He took the key wicket of Kusal, who came down the track hoping to clip through midwicket, only for Tanvir to slip one into his front pad. The lbw appeal was turned down on the field but was reviewed successfully by Bangladesh. Kusal had been easily the most fluent batter on this track.Asitha Fernando picked up 4 for 35•AFP/Getty Images

Next over, Tanvir had Kamindu Mendis chipping tamely to midwicket, the ball perhaps stopping on the batter. Then later, in his final over, he had Dunith Wellalage caught bat-pad. In between the Tanvir wickets, Mehidy and offspin allrounder Shamim Hossain also imposed themselves. Shamim’s economy rate was especially impressive – he gave away only 22 in nine overs, and took the wicket of the in-form Charith Asalanka.Later, Liyanage began to hit out in the company of the tail and found success with his big hits, much to the Khettarama crowd’s joy. He even struck two death-overs sixes down the ground to keep the required rate manageable. Had he batted till the end, Sri Lanka may have won, but Mustafizur Rahman duped him with a slower one and had him caught and bowled with 21 runs to get off 17 balls. Though Dushmantha Chameera had protected his wicket well until that point, this was too much for the last pair.In Bangladesh’s innings, their best partnership came early on. Tanzid Hasan was out edging an Asitha slower ball in the third over, but Emon took the reins in a brisk 63-run partnership to which Najmul Hossain Shanto’s contribution was only 14. Emon preyed on errors of length especially. He hit three sixes, two of them over deep midwicket, and scored 72% of his runs on leg side.Hridoy was more cautious than Emon had been, with Asitha, in particular, taking out other batters in the middle order. But he still prospered mostly square of the wicket, hitting just two offside fours in an innings in which he struck at 73.Shamim and Jaker Ali also scratched out 20s, as Wanindu Hasaranga, Asitha, and Chameera combined through the late middle overs to make regular breakthroughs. No. 8 batter Sakib struck the ball most cleanly of all Bangladesh’s batters as Sri Lanka hunted for the final few wickets. He hit two sixes down the ground off Hasaranga, before Hasaranga caught Mustafizur in front, later in that 46th over of the innings.The victory brought Bangladesh level with Sri Lanka in the three-match series. The decider will be played in Pallekele on Tuesday.

In search of a much-needed attacking spark, Newcastle United are now reportedly among the most active clubs in the race to sign a Champions League wonderkid.

Howe: Benfica win "sets the standard" for Newcastle

Bouncing back from their Brighton defeat in style, Newcastle eased past Benfica in the Champions League to make it two wins from three. In contrast to their Premier League displays, the Magpies were in free-scoring form and sealed a comfortable 3-0 victory over Jose Mourinho’s side at St James’ Park thanks to Anthony Gordon and Harvey Barnes.

After a mixed week of results, Newcastle boss Eddie Howe admitted that his side’s victory over Benfica “sets the standard” for what he expects going forward.

Howe told reporters: “I think it is that kind of game that sets a standard. That we have to take forward to our next few games that we’ve got coming up. That’s the level that we have to be at.

“I thought we’ve been threatening putting a performance like that together. Even at Brighton, there were some really positive moments, but that gets lost in the result. Today, we got both. We got another clean sheet and we scored some goals. Confidence returned to our attacking players, so it’s a great night for us.”

Howe can forget Barnes to unleash Newcastle teen who's "similar to Mbappe"

Newcastle are not short of options in wide areas, with Harvey Barnes impressing in midweek

ByJoe Nuttall Oct 23, 2025

Finding that attacking spark in the Premier League is now the challenge for those in Tyneside. Even with record signing Nick Woltemade already firing on all cylinders and Yoane Wissa to return from injury, however, they may yet turn towards the January transfer market for some much-needed quality going forward.

In a World Cup year, there are certainly plenty of players who could do with a chance, including one teenage sensation who’s been compared to Cristiano Ronaldo.

Newcastle active in race to sign Endrick

According to reports in Spain, Newcastle are now active in the race to sign Endrick in January now that Real Madrid are willing to let the Brazilian leave on loan.

The 19-year-old wonderkid has not played a single minute under new manager Xabi Alonso and desperately needs a winter move if he is to secure a place in Carlo Ancelotti’s World Cup squad next summer.

Given Newcastle’s attacking struggles, welcoming a player as exciting as Endrick wouldn’t exactly be a bad idea, either. Whilst he has struggled to impress enough to get Alonso’s attention, he could yet find his feet at St James’ Park in January.

If the praise of former Palmeiras sporting director Joao Paulo Sampaio is anything to go by, then Newcastle have a rare opportunity to land a generational star on loan this season.

The door has opened for the Magpies to make their move and they should take full advantage when the January transfer window arrives.

Can a season peter out in early October? Well it very much feels that way for Scottish champions Celtic, with 2025/26 already looking set to be a forgettable one for Brendan Rodgers’ side.

In many ways, this demise has been self-inflicted, with the Parkhead hierarchy selling off the family silver, with little in the way of replacement.

Kyogo. Nicolas Kuhn. Matt O’Riley. Adam Idah. All sold in recent times without a truly adequate succession plan.

Yes, the Hoops remain well poised to retain their Scottish Premiership title, but the gamble on leaving it late in the transfer window has not paid off, having been burned by not investing prior to the Champions League qualifying.

That Almaty disaster has been followed by a draw and defeat in the early knockings of the Europa League, with all the signs pointing to another continental adventure that simply doesn’t take off.

Rightly, supporters will look to the new additions as reason to blame, albeit with Rodgers hardly getting the best out of those who were already at his disposal, be it Daizen Maeda, or even the typically flawless Callum McGregor.

McGregor’s start to the season in numbers

Few teams across Europe appear to be so reliant, so influenced by one player, with the long-serving McGregor almost falling into that Rodri or Bruno Fernandes category. A midfield lynchpin through which everything runs.

A tempo setter and a standard setter in Glasgow, the 32-year-old has for so long been the central figure behind Celtic’s repeated success. 74 goals and 80 assists in 530 games, alongside countless domestic honours, says it all.

And yet, even the best can have their moments, with the Scotsman perhaps having failed to recover from his costly shoot-out miss in the Scottish Cup final back in May.

Indeed, the academy graduate has failed to score or assist in 12 games in all competitions this season, with the sight of him driving from range yet to be seen in 2025/26.

For context, the 63-cap international had begun last term by netting four times in just his first six league outings, while ending the season with ten goals in total across all fronts.

Against Braga in midweek, the midfielder was particularly disappointing, providing just one key pass and winning just a solitary duel, as per Sofascore.

As McGregor himself stated on Thursday, perhaps the Parkhead side are simply still “trying to find the best combination” – notably in midfield – with those alongside him not exactly flourishing either.

That being said, despite once looking simply undroppable and “irreplaceable” – in the words of Ange Postecoglou – the time might have come to finally see what this team looks like without the struggling skipper.

How Rodgers can replace Callum McGregor

Thankfully for Rodgers, as was evident with the return of Paulo Bernardo to the starting lineup against the Portuguese side, there is real depth in the midfield ranks.

Chalkboard

Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

With Benjamin Nygren and Luke McCowan battling out for that creative, advanced midfield berth on the right, it would then leave Bernardo, Arne Engels and Reo Hatate to claim the remaining two spots, should McGregor drop to the bench.

Engels would be an option, although, as pointed out by club legend Chris Sutton, the Belgian appears better suited in a more advanced berth:

If the ex-Leicester City boss is to find a successor to his captain in that specialised, deep-lying role, perhaps turning to Hatate might be the best solution, having previously described the Japanese playmaker as a “big talent” last year.

Of course, the 27-year-old has endured his own rocky start to the campaign himself, looking particularly off the pace after toiling away in Belgrade last week.

No longer looking like the energetic, all-action midfielder who memorably announced himself with that brace against Rangers in February 2022, Hatate might actually benefit from dropping into a deeper berth where he can control proceedings.

As Rodgers stated above, he has all the attributes needed to flourish in that role, with his penchant for a long-range stunner – like against Aberdeen back in August – ensuring he could take on the McGregor role of arriving late on the edge of the box.

A player who created 14 big chances and averaged 1.4 key passes per game in the Premiership last season, Hatate also boasts that forward-thinking, creative quality in order to fill the shoes of McGregor in that sense.

While typically deployed alongside McGregor – or even in a makeshift right-back berth on occasion under Postecoglou – the switch to something of a new role in place of the captain is certainly worth experimenting with ahead of Sunday’s clash with Motherwell.

At a time when all is not well both on and off the pitch, Rodgers arguably has nothing to lose from shaking things up a bit.

Let’s face it, the current plan simply isn’t working.

Worse than Nygren: Celtic star is on his way to becoming the next Kyogo

This Celtic star is on his way to following in the footsteps of Kyogo Furuhashi.

By
Dan Emery

Oct 3, 2025

Jansen misses out as he’s recovering from surgery to his left thumb while Miller will be playing in the Hundred

Firdose Moonda24-Jul-2025South Africa’s regular white-ball captains Aiden Markram and Temba Bavuma will return to lead the T20I and ODI squads, respectively, for next month’s tour of Australia. Markram was rested from South Africa’s Test and T20I series in Zimbabwe while Bavuma missed the Zimbabwe Tests with a hamstring injury he sustained at the World Test Championship (WTC) final in June. Both skippers will have relatively full-strength squads available to them.Notably, the squad was announced a week before Patrick Moroney, the new convenor of selectors, starts work on August 1, which means this was the last squad that all-format Shukri Conrad picked independently.”It’s great to have our senior players back in the mix after their rest following the WTC Final,” Conrad said in a statement. “Their experience and quality add real value to the group as we continue to build a strong core in both formats. Every series from here on plays a part in shaping our squads for next year’s T20 World Cup and the 50-over World Cup at home in 2027.”Of South Africa’s regulars, Marco Jansen and David Miller are the only two not named. Jansen is recovering from surgery to his left thumb from an issue picked up at the WTC final, while Miller will be playing in the Hundred. He is expected to return for South Africa’s white-ball tour of England in September.South Africa’s squads for Australia tour•ESPNcricinfo LtdThe rest of South Africa’s frontline attack, led by Kagiso Rabada in the seam department and Keshav Maharaj in the spin one, are all included. But Maharaj is not part of the T20I squad.Instead, left-arm spinners George Linde and Senuran Muthusamy, who are both currently in Zimbabwe, will play the T20Is alongside legspinner Nqaba Peter as South Africa assess their options for next year’s T20 World Cup. Tabraiz Shamsi, who opted out of a national contract last year, is not included in either squad. Conrad had indicated prior to the Zimbabwe series that he would speak to Shamsi to discuss his future.”Unfortunately, things got away from me, and I was never able to have that chat,” he said. “The spinners who have been selected have the inside track.”South Africa’s T20I playing group sees the return of Ryan Rickelton and Tristan Stubbs to the batting line-up, and the retention of Lhuan-dre Pretorius and Dewald Brevis, who are both in Zimbabwe. Lungi Ngidi, Nandre Burger, Corbin Bosch and Kwena Maphaka make up the seamers, but Gerald Coetzee is not included.Rassie van der Dussen was not included in the ODI squad for Australia•Zimbabwe Cricket”There are only so many quicks you can put in your team in terms of balance,” Conrad said. “The players who have been selected are ahead of Gerald in the pecking order. In the 50-over squad, I wanted to try and get as many allrounders in the squad. You cannot ignore what Corbin Bosch has done. Gerald sits behind him.”The ODI squad’s batting line-up has the four named above as well Matthew Breetzke and Tony de Zorzi. Wiaan Mulder provides an all-round option in Jansen’s absence. While Rassie van der Dussen, who has South Africa’s second-highest ODI average, is not included in the ODI squad, Conrad also conceded that he is “very much in contention for the T20 World Cup”.”He gives you the option of batting at the top and at No. 3, and he is a great in a leadership role. With the 50-over [team], because I’ve got time before 2027, it gives me the opportunity to blood new players and see how they develop.”T20I squadAiden Markram (capt), Corbin Bosch, Dewald Brevis, Nandre Burger, George Linde, Kwena Maphaka, Senuran Muthusamy, Lungi Ngidi, Nqaba Peter Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton, Tristan Stubbs, Prenelan Subrayen, Rassie van der DussenODI squadTemba Bavuma (capt), Corbin Bosch, Matthew Breetzke, Dewald Brevis, Nandre Burger, Tony de Zorzi, Aiden Markram, Senuran Muthusamy, Keshav Maharaj, Wiaan Mulder, Lungi Ngidi, Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton, Tristan Stubbs, Prenelan Subrayen

تحدث علي ماهر المدير الفني لفريق سيراميكا كليوباترا، عن مواجهة فريقه أمام بيراميدز، في إطار مباريات كأس السوبر المصري للأبطال. 

ويواجه فريق سيراميكا كليوباترا نظيره بيراميدز، في مباراة تحديد المركزين الثالث والرابع من بطولة السوبر المصري غدًا الأحد، في تمام الساعة الثانية والنصف ظهرًا بتوقيت القاهرة. 

طالع.. يورتشيتش يستقر على حارس بيراميدز أمام سيراميكا كليوباترا

وكان سيراميكا كليوباترا قد خسر في المباراة الماضية امام الأهلي بهدفين مقابل هدف، في المقابل خسر بيراميدز من الزمالك بركلات الترجيح. 

وقال علي ماهر في تصريحاته بالمؤتمر الصحفي: “سيراميكا كليوباترا تجاوز الخسارة أمام الأهلي وعازم على حسم مباراة المركز الثالث لصالحه”. 

واختتم: “نمتلك عددًا كبيرًا من اللاعبين الكبار القادرين على نقل خبراتهم لزملائهم الصاعدين، لحسم المركز الثالث أمام بيراميدز”. 

Aaron Boone has finally managed the New York Yankees into the World Series. Since taking over as the skipper in 2018, he led New York to the doorstep twice but could never manage to get past the ALCS until Saturday night, when his team beat the Cleveland Guardians in extra innings to take the ALCS four games to one.

Now, they await the Los Angeles Dodgers or New York Mets from the National League.

Boone, who has remained almost comically resolute over the years that this team has had everything it needs to compete, admitted during a press conference after the game that at least one aspect of the team and its high level of performance wasn't predictable.

Here's what he said on the bullpen staff after the game:

"If I would have told you a month ago or two months ago that we're gonna close out the American League with Mark Leiter Jr., Tim Hill, Jake Cousins, Luke Weaver, I don't know if many people would have thought that. But it's a credit to each and every one of those guys, their ability to do their job."

Boone stuck with Clay Holmes as his closer for a time, despite blown saves. In September as the season was winding down, he retreaded Weaver into the closer spot and he gave up four hits in 11 innings of regular season work after getting the job. The Yankees won all eight games he came in for.

Even more surprising was Leiter who got the win in Game 4. He was not even included in the first iteration of the ALCS roster, added after Ian Hamilton became unavailable due to injury. Leiter was added at the trade deadline in a transaction with the Chicago Cubs.

Hill was released by the White Sox in June and picked up by New York. Cousins, a young relief pitcher, emerged as a seriously important bullpen arm in late July.

Next man up has been much more than just an adage for this bullpen.

Bayern Munich are preparing a formal offer to extend Konrad Laimer’s contract following his superb form under Vincent Kompany. The Austrian, hailed by Lothar Matthaus as a “perfect team player”, has become one of Bayern’s most trusted performers impressing with his versatility, intelligence, and tireless work rate across multiple positions.

• Laimer’s rise under Kompany earns contract talks

  Bayern are set to open formal negotiations with Laimer to extend his contract after the Austrian’s outstanding performances under Kompany. Although his current deal runs until 2027, Bayern’s hierarchy are eager to reward his consistency and versatility with an early renewal. According to , talks have already taken place, and an official offer could arrive before the end of the year.

  The 28-year-old has become indispensable for Kompany, adapting seamlessly across positions – from full-back on both flanks to a deep-lying midfielder. He joined the Bundesliga champions on a free transfer from RB Leipzig in 2023, and in just over two seasons, has amassed 101 appearances, contributing five goals and 13 assists.

  Kompany, who values tactical intelligence and adaptability above all else, reportedly views Laimer as a model professional. His tireless pressing and defensive awareness have been vital to Bayern’s 16-match winning streak this season, with the club currently leading both the Bundesliga and Champions League groups.

Advertisement

• Getty Images Sport
  

  'It would be wonderful if he stays' – Freund on Laimer

  Die Roten sporting director Christoph Freund confirmed the club’s intention to keep Laimer long-term, praising his professionalism and importance to the squad. “Konny is a great guy and a key player for the future,” Freund said. “It would be wonderful if he stays at FC Bayern for a very, very long time.”

  Financially, the deal is expected to be straightforward. Laimer currently earns around €9 million annually, and Bayern are prepared to make a modest adjustment to reflect his growing influence. Laimer’s versatility has been invaluable this season especially amid injuries to key defenders. He has filled in on both flanks, particularly excelling as a right-back in tandem with summer signing Michael Olise, forming one of the Bundesliga’s most effective wide partnerships.

  Even club legend Matthaus has been among those impressed by Laimer’s transformation this term. “I almost have to apologise to Konrad Laimer,” Matthaus admitted on . “I knew about his dynamism, but I had never seen this level of game intelligence on the field as pronounced as this season.”

  He added: "Laimer is the perfect team player. His attitude is always outstanding. A team can't consist solely of goalscorers like Harry Kane, artists like Michael Olise, or a world-class goalkeeper like Manuel Neuer. A team needs a worker like Konrad Laimer. He is characterised by high dynamism and high aggression: every challenge is contested with 100 percent effort."

• The perfect fit for Kompany’s philosophy

  Laimer's consistency embodies the intensity that Kompany demands from his Bayern side. Whether operating as a defensive stopper or an overlapping full-back, his tactical discipline and pressing ability have set the tone for the team’s aggressive, high-tempo style.

  The Austrian international’s flexibility has allowed Kompany to experiment tactically without losing balance. He’s capable of inverting into midfield during build-up phases, a trait the Belgian coach has leaned on heavily in key matches. The Bavarians' attacking brilliance, led by Harry Kane, Michael Olise, and Luis Diaz, has drawn headlines, but Kompany has often credited players like Laimer for maintaining structural control behind the stars.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• Getty Images Sport
  

  Bayern move to secure Kompany’s quiet leader for the long term

  Bayern’s confidence in securing Laimer’s extension stems from his strong rapport with teammates and comfort in Munich. Sources close to the player say he feels “completely settled” and motivated by Kompany’s trust. Internally, there are no doubts as the board view Laimer as a pillar for the next phase of Kompany’s rebuild, particularly as the club transitions toward a younger, more versatile squad profile.

  His influence extends beyond tactics. Teammates reportedly regard Laimer as one of the dressing room’s quiet leaders, a professional who sets standards through work ethic rather than words. If all goes to plan, Die Roten hope to finalize the extension before the winter break, securing one of Europe’s most complete utility players for the long haul.

  As Kompany looks to guide Bayern through a packed run of fixtures, including clashes with Union Berlin and Arsenal Laimer’s consistency will remain pivotal. For a team full of stars, it’s the unsung Austrian who continues to personify Bayern’s new identity: intense, intelligent, and utterly indispensable.

Aston Villa took a swipe at Erling Haaland on social media after their 1-0 victory against Manchester City on Sunday.

Villans continue return to form with victory against Man City

Villa’s five-game winning streak was brought to an abrupt end in the Europa League on Thursday night, losing 2-1 away at Go Ahead Eagles, but they got back on track with a statement victory against Man City on Sunday afternoon.

Matty Cash scored the only goal of the game in the first half, with the full-back’s strike from just outside ensuring the Villans moved up to eighth in the Premier League table, having turned things around after a slow start to the season.

Heading into the game, Unai Emery would’ve no doubt been worried about Haaland, who is regarded as one of the best strikers in the world, considering he’s been on a remarkable run of form for club and country.

However, Emery’s side successfully nullified the Norwegian’s threat, keeping a clean sheet in the 1-0 victory, which ended City’s nine-game unbeaten run in all competitions.

Having been the team to bring Haaland’s fantastic run of form to an end, Aston Villa took a swipe at the centre-forward on X after the match, saying: “Good job Matty Cash had his raw milk and tomahawk steak for breakfast this morning.”

The jibe makes reference to the 25-year-old’s first video on his YouTube channel, during which he showed a day in the life of a professional footballer and revealed what his diet usually consists of.

Cash on form as Villa pick up fourth league win in a row

Aston Villa struggled at the beginning of the season, suffering a 3-0 home defeat against Crystal Palace and a 1-0 loss at Brentford, but they have started to prove they could be in the mix for European qualification once again.

Although City’s current side may not be at the level of the centurions, they have been in great form, winning their previous three league games, but the Villans brought that grinding to a halt, courtesy of a solid display.

Related Aston Villa formalise move to sign "complete" attacker wanted by Barcelona

He’s been in impressive form.

Posts ByTom Cunningham Oct 26, 2025

Aside from scoring the winning goal, it was a strong all-round performance from Cash, who chipped in with four clearances, two tackles and one interception to extend his side’s winning run to four games in the Premier League.

Emery will be hoping his side can continue their current form in the coming weeks, but there are some tricky fixtures on the horizon, with Anfield always a difficult place to go, despite their recent struggles.

Aston Villa’s upcoming fixtures

Date

Liverpool (a)

November 1st

Maccabi Tel Aviv (h)

November 6th

AFC Bournemouth (h)

November 9th

Leeds United (a)

November 23rd

Young Boys (h)

November 27th

Somerset 250 (Lammonby 89, Drissell 5-59) and 89 for 5 (Banton 33*, Parkinson 4-39) beat Durham 145 (Raine 42, Overton 6-23) and 190 (Gay 42, Leach 6-63, Vaughan 4-85) by five wicketsJack Leach returned figures of 6 for 63 as Somerset wrapped up a five-wicket Rothesay County Championship Division One win over Durham inside two days at the Cooper Associates Ground, Taunton.From an overnight 5 for 2 in their second innings, trailing by 100 runs, the visitors were bowled out for 190, left-arm spinner Leach claiming his second six-for in successive Championship games and off-spinner Archie Vaughan taking 4 for 85. Emilio Gay top-scored with 42, while Ben Raine contributed 36.That left Somerset needing just 86 to win, a target they achieved in 19.2 overs, not without alarm, at just before 4pm, Tom Banton ending unbeaten on 33 and Callum Parkinson taking 4 for 39. They took 20 points from the game to Durham’s three.Despite the turning pitch, Somerset elected to start the day with seam at both ends, skipper Lewis Gregory operating from the River End in tandem with Craig Overton.Gay and Neil Wagner were rarely troubled and had added 26 to the overnight score by the time Vaughan was introduced from the Marcus Trescothick Pavilion End.His first over went for 16, Gay striking fou fours and clearly intent on carrying the game to Somerset’s slow bowlers. Leach’s first over from the other end saw Wagner hit a six over long-off to bring up a half-century stand from just 57 balls.Gay struck a straight six off Vaughan and followed up next ball with a swept four as Durham’s total reached 76, just 29 runs behind, before Somerset made a much-needed breakthrough.Wagner had played well, facing 49 balls, before attempting to sweep a full delivery from Vaughan and falling lbw. It signalled a collapse as Gay quickly followed, caught by Overton, diving forward at short mid-wicket off Leach.Colin Ackermann bagged a pair when playing Leach in the air to mid-off where Banton took a similar catch to Overton’s, throwing himself forward. It was 92 for 6 when David Bedingham fell lbw to a Leach delivery that straightened from around the wicket.Durham were still 13 runs from avoiding an innings defeat. Ollie Robinson and Graham Clark ensured that indignity was avoided with a partnership of 40 before Robinson aimed a big drive at Vaughan and was bowled for 28.Vaughan almost struck again with his next delivery, Raine driving it back and the bowler just failing to hold a low catch diving full length to his right. The lunch score was 152 for 7, 147 runs having been scored in the session off 40 overs.Clark was unbeaten on 24 and Durham led by 47. Leach had figures of 4 for 50 from 17 overs and that became a five-for with 14 runs added when Clark’s 89-ball innings of 32 ended with an edged forward defensive shot to wicketkeeper James Rew.Leach struck again when George Drissell was caught and bowled off a leading edge. That left Raine with little option but to go on the attack and he cleared the ropes twice in a Vaughan over.Vaughan claimed revenge in his next over as Raine holed out to long-off and, with 46 overs remaining, a two-day finish was guaranteed. Not surprisingly, Durham gave the new ball to left-arm spinner Callum Parkinson, whose second delivery was deposited over midwicket for six by Tom Kohler-Cadmore.Drissell was greeted by a Josh Davey boundary to wide long-on as Somerset went for a quick kill. That plan suffered a setback when Davey fell leg-before to Parkinson, aiming to sweep, with the total on 13.It was 16 for 2 when Kohler-Cadmore edged Parkinson to second slip. Rew, on a pair, reverse swept his first ball for four and, on five, narrowly escaped a catch to second slip off Drissell.Tom Lammonby eased any tension with two fours off Drissell full-tosses, but was then bowled through the gate by Parkinson for 22 with Somerset halfway to their target. Rew quickly followed, caught at short mid-wicket to give Parkinson a fourth wicket.Tom Abell was bowled by Drissell on the back foot with 24 needed. But Banton used the sweep and reverse-sweep to good effect to see Somerset home.