KATIE Jones, Anika Learoyd and Alex Griffiths all made half centuries but it was not enough to prevent Somerset suffering a first defeat of the season to Essex in this year’s Metro Bank One Day Cup.

After choosing to bat first, Somerset slipped to 85 for four inside 19 overs before overseas signing Learoyd started to go about her business, driving and cutting to good effect to spearhead a recovery. The Australian international found a willing ally in Jones, these two staging a 50 partnership in 66 balls.

Eager to make her first substantial contribution since touching down earlier this month, the hard-hitting Learoyd posted her maiden Somerset 50 from 59 balls with eight fours.

Jones straight drove Essex skipper Grace Scrivens for six on her way to an eye-catching 54-ball half century. Just as the fifth wicket pair looked set to assume complete control, Learoyd gave the returning Eva Gray the charge and was bowled with the score 158 for five in the 33rd over.

Jones thereafter assumed responsibility for hauling her side to a competitive total, carrying the fight to the Essex bowlers with a series of expansive strokes as she posted her highest score for Somerset.

Griffiths complemented her perfectly and the sixth wicket alliance yielded 76 runs in just 12 overs before Jones skied a catch to Jo Gardner at deep mid-wicket off the bowling of Munro.

Griffiths ensured there was no let-up at the death, raising a 48-ball 50 and helping herself to a quartet of boundaries as spirited Somerset attained respectability, ending on 268 for 9.

When Essex replied they were quickly 21 for three, before Jodi Grewcock came to the rescue with a match-winning innings of 120 not out from 116 balls, sharing an unbroken stand of 116 with Florence Miller. Griffiths ended a good day, taking 3 for 42 from 9 overs.