SOMERSET'S wait for a first ever County Championship title will extend into another season after Surrey wrapped up top spot in Division One by beating Worcestershire.

The Black Caps successfully chased down 274 for the loss of seven wickets in a thrilling encounter at New Road, which saw the hosts come back into the match with a flurry of wickets in the afternoon.

Rikki Clarke (18*) and Morne Morkel (9*) saw Surrey home to give them an unassailable lead over Somerset - the groundwork had earlier been laid by Rory Burns (66) and Mark Stoneman (59).

The victory is Surrey's ninth in succession, and 10th of the season overall, and hands them an unassailable lead over second-placed Somerset going into the match between the two sides in Taunton next week.

The new champions are worthy of their crown, having been remarkably consistent all season, and inflicted Somerset's heaviest defeat of the season with an emphatic innings victory at Guildford in June.

Somerset, who avoided a points deduction over their pitch against Lancashire, have a sizable cushion above Essex in third and will be aiming to equal their best ever County Championship finish of second with strong performances in the final two matches.