Yorkshire could be in danger of having points deducted because of the pitch they have prepared for the crucial top-of-the-table Championship clash with leaders Surrey at North Marine Road.

Pitch liaison officer Mike Denness has called in the inspection panel to take a close look at the track, despite Surrey scoring 330-8 on it yesterday.

Former England skipper Denness is believed to be concerned at how green the pitch started out after Yorkshire had won the toss and put Surrey in to bat, reducing them at one stage to 197-7 before they staged a recovery.

If the panel feel that the pitch has been poorly prepared then Yorkshire could face an eight point reduction.

If that were to be the result it would virtually end Yorkshire's chances of taking the title, even if they go on to beat Surrey.

Umpires John Harris and Barry Dudleston refused to comment on the situation, apart from confirming that the assessment of the pitch had not yet been completed.

However, the pitch had not proved to be an awkward one for the batsman over a day that saw Yorkshire's pace bowler Matthew Hoggard continue in the form that has earned him a call to the England tour part for this winter's trips to Pakistan and Sri Lanka.

Yorkshire had to bowl their way back into the match after putting division one leaders Surrey into bat.

The Tykes, 18 points behind their pacesetting opponents and needing a win to keep their title flame burning, were up against it as the visitors reached 147-2 in some comfort.

It took a good spell from Hoggard to end a stubborn innings of 59 from opener Ian Ward, and there soon followed two wickets for medium-pacer Gary Fellows.

Then 20-year-old fast bowler Greg Lambert, from Castleford, claimed his maiden victim on his first class debut when he had Alistair Brown caught behind.