For title contenders Essex and Surrey, the season did not end on the pitch as either would have hoped, yet it was favourites and holders Surrey who emerged triumphant in the end, finishing 20 points clear of their nearest rivals. Essex knew they had to win to stand a chance of snatching the pennant, and a visit to already-relegated Northampton seemed to be the easiest of opportunities to pile on the pressure. They chose to field first, only to find Rob Keogh in excellent form, as he smashed 1...
