JAMES Hildreth continued his sparkling run of form to guide Somerset to a six-wicket victory over Yorkshire in the Championship after a dramatic run chase at the County Ground yesterday.

Hildreth hit an unbeaten 102 from just 70 balls as Somerset chased down their target of 362, which had been negotiated by the side’s captains.

Somerset were given a potential 71 overs to achieve the total but, thanks to some superb batting, made it home in 65.4.

Yorkshire started the final day 154-2, a lead of 182 and, in a bid to prevent the game fizzling out into a draw, the sides agreed a target to chase and Somerset sent on part-time spinners Hildreth and Nick Compton to speed up the declaration.

Half centuries from skipper Marcus Trescothick (53 from 80 balls ) and Nick Compton (65 in 94 balls) set Somerset on their way but the crucial partnership came from Hildreth and Zander de Bruyn, who put on 149 in 19 overs.

The run rate stood at more than eight-an-over after tea but the duo failed to be intimidated. Despite the slow pitch and defensive fields, they rattled along with inventive sweeps and quick running between the wickets.

De Bruyn was eventually out for 93 in 103 deliveries, by which time Somerset were 314-4.

Hildreth, who had been dropped by Joe Sayers on 52, went to his century in 68 balls – the quickest in the Championship this season – and with Jos Buttler (31 from 17 balls) saw his side to victory.

In their first innings, Yorkshire were all out for 405, Adam Lyth making 142, and Somerset replied with 377 all out, Arul Suppiah falling one short of a century and Butter scoring 52.