Yorkshire's bowlers showed plenty of keenness and discipline at Scarborough yesterday but it was Somerset who ended the first day of the Championship match in the healthier position after making studious progress to 299 for five.

With the County Champions bottom of the First Division table and Somerset only a few points above them, both teams were determined to get out of their rut.

They succeeded in their intentions but it meant there was little to entertain the spectators for large chunks of the day.

Chris Silverwood and Ryan Sidebottom bowled tidily in the morning and each was rewarded with a wicket but off-spinners Richard Dawson and Andy Gray were less effective in the afternoon and Dawson did not strike until Somerset had laid down a solid foundation.

Piran Holloway and Matt Wood showed every intention of occupying the crease for a long while after Somerset had won the toss but at 17 in the 11th over Anthony McGrath swooped at second slip when Silverwood found the edge of Wood's bat.

Sidebottom had little to show for a keen opening spell but when he returned at the Trafalgar Square end, Michael Burns could not avoid making contact and this time it was Matthew Wood who took the catch at first slip.

Another wicket during the morning session would have put Yorkshire on top but the left-handed Holloway and the ever-reliable Peter Bowler were not to be tempted into doing anything rash.

Progress remained slow after lunch and Somerset were only 120 for two after 50 overs but the over rate perked up as Dawson and Gray operated in harness.

Holloway took 200 minutes and 160 balls to complete a faultless 50 and Bowler reached his half century off 102 deliveries but Dawson's best ball brought a much-needed wicket to break the 112 stand. He beat Holloway with flight and turn and Wood calmly pounced on the slip catch on 65.

A Keith Parsons six over mid-wicket raised the 200. Bowler, without a century this season, looked like achieving the distinction of hitting the 100th first class 100 at North Marine Road in the 223rd match on the ground but on 84 he shaped to cut at Dawson and played into his stumps.

Darren Lehmann's left arm spin made it 278 for five as he bowled Parsons for 59 from 97 balls with seven fours and a six but Ian Blackwell struck some telling blows and Yorkshire were just beginning to recall his dashing century against them earlier in the season when rain brought a 20 minute interruption. Five runs were scored in the last two overs by Blackwell and Rob Turner.