YORKSHIRE hung on for a draw against Somerset at Taunton to sit just one point from top in the Specsavers County Championship.

The White Rose were reduced to 88-5 in the second innings – still 163 behind Somerset’s first innings score – with 19 overs to go, but averted a final session disaster for a second time this season.

Despite the escape, coach Jason Gillespie and skipper Andrew Gale have plenty to think about before the Roses clash against Lancashire begins at Headingley on May 29.

Gillespie was pragmatic about his side post-match.

“I can’t beat around the bush, without doubt we were outplayed by Somerset,” he said.

“But I’m pleased we saved the game. We know there are areas we can improve on.”

After heavy rain in the morning it was unclear how much cricket would be played on day four. Yorkshire returned to the crease at 306-9 in response to Somerset’s first innings of 562-7 declared.

Play resumed at midday, and the gutsy 74-run last-wicket stand between tailenders Jack Brooks and Steve Patterson that so frustrated the home side on Tuesday evening was broken in the third over.

Somerset unsurprisingly enforced the follow-on, and Yorkshire openers Adam Lyth and Alex Lees safely negotiated the rest of a tricky morning session.

Shortly after lunch, however, Lyth was bowled by a huge Jamie Overton inswinger that sent his leg stump flying.

Lees and Stamford Bridge's Will Rhodes then batted for 18 overs – never going at higher than two an over – moving the match into a war of attrition.

At 45-1 off 31 overs, they were doing the required job required for Yorkshire. Defend, and keep wickets in hand.

But in short time Rhodes (18) was caught at short leg and Lees (11 off 97) shouldered arms to one that just clipped his off bail.

Gale then mistimed an on-drive straight to short mid-on, a plan cleverly executed by Somerset skipper Chris Rogers. In nine innings this season the skipper is yet to pass 50.

Gary Ballance then played a similarly poor shot, clipping one off his hip straight down the throat of square leg.

At this point Yorkshire were 88-5, and with 19 overs to go Somerset had their tails up.

Bradford's Adil Rashid hung around for a a 30-ball duck – his second for the match – as Yorkshire knew they had to negotiate the final 11 overs with four wickets in hand.

There was a lingering sense on the final day that Somerset would run out of time. A total of 55 overs were lost on the final two days, and this proved the thorn in their spirited effort.

Jack Leaning and Liam Plunkett saw out these overs, to a relieved Yorkshire dressing room.

Gillespie admitted his side were not good enough.

“Our bowling in the first innings was not up to our standards and we’re well aware of that,” he said. “They’ve accepted responsibility. We know we’re better than that.

“And with the bat, I think it was a combination of things – I thought Somerset bowled really well, so full credit to them. But we will be better next time.”

After five consecutive games the squad now has five days off, which Gillespie said ‘has come at the right time’.

Next week they will play three T20 practice games – against Bradford, Harrogate, and North Yorkshire select XIs – before next Friday’s NatWest T20 Blast opener against Leicestershire under lights at Headingley.