Yorkshire on top in crucial County Championship clash with Essex (From Gazette & Herald)

Yorkshire on top in crucial County Championship clash with Essex

12:43pm Wednesday 12th September 2012 in Sport By Chris Parrott

YORKSHIRE have been bowled out for 312 in their first-innings against Essex in the LV=County Championship.

By lunch on day two, their hosts had reached 32-3 in reply at Chelmsford.

Resuming on 284-8, the Tykes managed to make their way to a third bonus point before being dismissed.

Azeem Rafiq was the first wicket to fall for 53, before Steven Patterson was the last man to fall for a diligent 17.

The fast bowler then returned to make the first breakthrough with the ball before the interval, removing Jaik Mickleburgh for four.

Rafiq then trapped Tom Westley lbw for 18 with his first delivery of the match, before Moin Ashraf removed Mark Pettini for one in the same manner in the final over of the morning.

At lunch, Essex still trailed by 280 runs.

If Yorkshire can take six more wickets in the next 95 overs then win lose or draw, Kent will have to beat Glamorgan to pip them to promotion.