Yorkshire threw down the gauntlet against Essex at Scarborough yesterday by making a surprise declaration immediately after struggling to 104 for 5 and avoiding the follow-on.

This positive approach by the new County Champions stopped the rain-hit contest from dying on its feet and there was every chance of an exciting finish today on the final day of the season.

David Byas's declaration left bottom club Essex with a first innings lead of 146 and at the close they were 48 for 3 and 194 runs in front.

For much of the time, Yorkshire played more like a side propping up the table than champions but it was an outstanding day for fast bowler Matthew Hoggard who returned career-best figures of six for 51.

Hoggard's foot injury has held him back in what has been a generally disappointing season and his much improved form will have boosted his confidence ahead of his tours of Zimbabwe, India and New Zealand with England this winter.

Surprisingly, Hoggard has never captured six wickets in an innings before and he beat his previous best of 5 for 47 against Derbyshire at Derby in 1999.

Joe Grant, who plays for Dunnington in the Hunters the Estate Agent York and District Senior League had his first bowl at this level but was not among the Essex wicket-takers.