Bowlers fight back and keep Yorkshire in touch

THE Rothesay County Championship clash between Division One strugglers Yorkshire and Essex is nicely poised at its midway point after an engaging day two at York.

- By GRAHAM HARDCASTLE, ECB REPORTERS NETWORK SUPPORTED BY ROTHESAY

The opening day was a slowburner which saw Essex close on 248 for three.

But things were different on the resumption yesterday, with York shire claiming the last seven Essex wickets for 95 on a placid Clifton Park pitch, bowling the visitors out for 368 during the early stages of the afternoon.

Yorkshire then closed on 143 for three from 54 overs, including opener Adam Lyth’s 65 not out off 172 balls. They trail by 225.

This was a tireless display from a Yorkshire bowling unit who gained little reward on day one, with newball seamer Jack White returning three for 68 from 27 overs.

He, alongside George Hill and Dom Bess, struck twice during the first half of day two, while Noah Thain compiled an unbeaten 50 not out off 81 balls.

Thain was then one of Essex’s three wicket-takers before close via his seamers, alongside Shane Snater and Simon Harmer. Like Yorkshire's bowlers had done, Essex’s bowlers also stuck to their task well in difficult conditions.