Yorkshire's visit to Taunton in the County Championship today marked the beginning of a fortnight long Southern tour which could make or break their season.

And while Yorkshire were getting to grips with Somerset, Darren Gough was to make his comeback with the Second XI in a three-day match against Derbyshire at Stamford Bridge.

Yorkshire coach Wayne Clark said: "Gough bowled four overs to me yesterday while I stood with a glove on and he suffered no adverse reaction to his knee.

"If he comes through this game all right he will be included in Sunday's opening Norwich Union League match against Somerset at Taunton."

Yorkshire's defence of their Championship title got off to a shocking start with the innings and 168 runs thrashing at the hands of strongly fancied Surrey.

They have now had time to push that result to the back of their minds but they know they must perform much more strongly against Somerset, last year's runners-up.

After Sunday's coloured clothing game it's straight on to Canterbury for next week's Championship clash with Kent who were third last summer.

The same venue will host the Sunday match between the sides before Yorkshire move on to Chelmsford in time for the Benson and Hedges Cup quarter-final match against Essex.

It was confirmed by Lord's yesterday that this game will take place on Wednesday, May 22, after which Yorkshire return home to play Hampshire at Headingley in the Championship on the Friday.

It's one of the longest away spells Yorkshire have had for some time and a lot of hard work has to be put in for the fans to forgive them for Monday's spineless B&H performance against Lancashire.

Yorkshire were without Matthew Wood today following the blow he received last Saturday from Derbyshire's Muhammad Ali which caused him to have nine stitches above his left eye.

Pace man Steven Kirby was omitted.

Frizzell County Championship

(first day of 4)

Division One

Somerst v Yorkshire

(at Taunton)

(Rose Bowl) Hampshire v Kent

(Grace Road) Leicestershire v Warwickshire

(The AMP Oval) Surrey v Lancashire

Division Two

(Derby) Derby v Northampotonshire

(Trent Bridge) Nottinghamsire v Essex

(New Road) Worcestershire v Glamorgan

Updated: 12:26 Wednesday, May 08, 2002