Rose revives Somerset

Graham Rose turned the clock back nine years to frustrate Yorkshire on the second day of the County Championship match at Taunton.

It was in the corresponding fixture at the same venue in 1991 that the former Middlesex player reached his maiden first class century, smashing 7 sixes and 7 fours in an unbeaten 105, off just 114 balls.

Now aged 36, Rose's innings tend to be a touch more sedate these days. But his heavy blade still packs plenty of power as the tenth hundred of his career amply demonstrated.

At 115-5 on another blustery day, Somerset looked unlikely to collect even one batting bonus points when their evergreen all-rounder strode to the crease. By the time Rose was last man out for 124, made off 227 balls, with 13 fours, the home side had amassed 359 and had four points in the bag.

It was all very frustrating for title-chasing Yorkshire, who began the day well. Peter Bowler was taken down the leg side by wicketkeeper Simon Guy off Matthew Hoggard and Keith Parsons also fell when looking set.

Having reached 32, Parsons clearly allowed his concentration to be affected by some heavy drizzle. Umpires Graham Burgess and Nigel Cowley decided it was not enough to interrupt play and the batsman was less than impressed when trapped lbw by Gavin Hamilton.

Rob Turner then contributed 36 to a sixth-wicket stand of 68 with Rose before attempting to drive a wide half-volley from Gary Fellows and edging to Guy. When Ian Blackwell was caught trying to evade one of many short-pitched deliveries from the Yorkshire seamers Somerset were 212-7 and still in some peril.

But out marched teenager Peter Trego to play an innings of great maturity, which brought his highest first class score of 62 and enabled Rose to maintain a steady tempo towards his ton.

Yorkshire were guilty of trying to bounce the pair out at times. Yet Rose looked increasingly assured against the short ball, while Trego was never afraid to cut with relish at anything wide.

The second new ball was taken at 255-7, but failed to bring a breakthrough. It was 21 overs later when left-arm spinner Ian Fisher finally penetrated Trego's defence after the young seam bowler had hit 10 fours in his maiden half-century. Rose gave just one chance on 29 when Yorkshire skipper David Byas dived full length to his right at slip, failing to cling onto a flying edge off Hoggard.

That apart, it was an increasingly commanding display in which Rose pulled with confidence and produced some superb straight drives on the few occasions when the ball was pitched up.

The stand of 132 with Trego was a perfect blend of youth and experience, with Rose sometimes coming down the pitch for a steadying word with his highly-promising partner.

Perhaps Somerset fans were watching Rose's successor. On this evidence, England Under-19 seamer Trego has what it takes to develop all-rounder status. After starting the match in such menacing mood, both Hoggard and Chris Silverwood returned disappointing figures. It was Fisher (3-66) and Hamilton (3-73) who picked up the bulk of the wickets.

At least Yorkshire openers Simon Widdup and Vic Craven survived a tricky four-over spell before the close. But at 5-0 it is the visitors who have work to do if they are to avoid defeat.