SOMERSET slipped to a six-wicket defeat away to Yorkshire in their opening Championship match of the season, which ended on Sunday.

The side never recovered after posting a below-par 272 in their first innings and, despite a brave rearguard from Zander de Bruyn, Alfonoso Thomas and David Stiff on the final day, Yorkshire coasted home.

The visitors were only abe to post 272 batting first, despite a valiant 117 from new skipper Marcus Trescothick.

Yorskshire recovered from 142-5 to post and substantial 419 all out and a lead of 147.

Pete Trego was the pick of Somerset’s bowlers with 4-29 from 14 overs, while skipper Andrew Gale hit 101 for Yorkshire.

Somerset looked out of it at 193-5 but knocks from de Bruyn (83), Thomas (44) and Stiff (40) took the side to 344 all out and set Yorkshire a target of 198.

They looked jittery after being reduced to 17-2 and 61-3 but Adam Lyth’s 90 and 64 not out from Gale helped them home.

Somerset are away to Nottinghamshire in a Championship game that starts on Wednesday.