Yorkshire come up short in defeat to Somerset at Taunton

LEADING MAN: Jack Leaning top-scored in Yorkshire's second innings with 68, but his side fell well short of their 321-run target. Picture: Alex Whitehead/SWpix.com

Jack Leaning was last man out for Gary Ballance’s side, top-scoring in the second innings with a gritty 68. Opener Adam Lyth was next highest scorer, scoring 34.

Craig Overton (3-43), Lewis Gregory (2-59), Tim Groenewald (2-51) and Tom Abell (2-15) shared the final day wickets as the visitors were dismissed for 202.

It is the first time since 1993 that Somerset have won their opening two Championship fixtures. They took 20 points to Yorkshire’s three.

Starting the morning on 49-1, needing a further 272 to win, the visitors lost Cheteshwar Pujara to the first ball, caught behind off Gregory, and went on to struggle against some accurate seam bowling.

It was 67-3 when Adam Lyth, on 34, edged Groenewald to James Hildreth at first slip and 81-4 when Gary Ballance was caught by wicketkeeper Steve Davies pushing forward to Gregory.

Matthew Waite could make only six before being caught and bowled by Overton off a leading edge and when Andy Hodd fell lbw to the same bowler for a single Yorkshire were in disarray at 103-6.

By lunch they had moved to 116-6, still 205 behind. The afternoon session began with a stubborn partnership between Leaning and Tim Bresnan, who put together a stand of 56 without looking troubled.

It took Abell bringing himself on from the River End to break the partnership. The Somerset captain bowled an impressive spell, swinging and seaming the ball.

Bresnan fell leg-before for 21 to a delivery that nipped back at him after Leaning had moved to an impressive half-century off 128 balls, with 7 fours, showing commendable technique and patience.

Jack Brooks counter-attacked to also make 21 off just 16 balls. His entertaining cameo ended when Groenewald took a sharp return catch, one-handed to his right.

Abell struck again when Ben Coad edged a good delivery to Marcus Trescothick at second slip and at 191-9 Yorkshire were a beaten side.

The second new ball was taken and Somerset completed a comprehensive win when Leaning was caught at square-leg, top-edging a pull shot off Overton.