YORKSHIRE are in danger of ending a special season with only a second defeat against Somerset at Headingley.

The LV= County Championship winners are under the cosh against a team placed mid-table in Division One, having seen them reply to 253 all out with 319-3 from 89 overs at close on day two.

Steve Patterson, with two, and stand-in captain Joe Root were the only wicket-takers for the White Rose team as a season's-best 156 from Nick Compton led the visitors' effort, which also included half-centuries for Marcus Trescothick and Tom Abell.

Former England batsman Compton shared century stands for the second and third wickets with the pair, who made 66 and 71 not out respectively under sunny skies.

Yorkshire, understandably to a degree, lacked a spark with the ball as batting conditions eased from day one.

It was almost a fortnight ago when they won the title against Nottinghamshire at Trent Bridge and they missed the next round of fixtures.

However, Jack Leaning – who was left on 57 not out before lunch – gave praise to Compton and his Somerset side.

"I think they've just played a little bit better than us as opposed to (a lack of) intensity," said the 20-year-old right-hander, who has enjoyed a memorable breakthrough season with four half-centuries.

"There's no change around the dressing room with the lads. It would have been the same even if we hadn't won the Championship.

"We've not played our best cricket in this game but sometimes that just happens.

"They bowled in the right areas on day one and they got their rewards for that. Then the lads who batted for them have just played well.

"I still think we're well in it. They are only 60 ahead of us. A couple of quick wickets in the morning session and you never know where the game could go in the afternoon."