YORKSHIRE'S bowlers failed to finish off Durham's first innings quickly today on the second day of the County Championship match at Headingley.

Durham skipper Nick Speak reached his half century and the ninth wicket stand with Steve Harmison prospered.

Resuming at 253-8, Durham moved along to 282 without further loss.

The moment that ECB pitch liaison officer David Hughes left Headingley yesterday, Ryan Sidebottom took two wickets in two balls to trigger a collapse after Durham had made 214-3.

Having escaped penalties for playing on dubious pitches against Hampshire and Kent, Yorkshire opted for safety this time by using the same track on which they scored 508 for five declared against Derbyshire in the opening game of the season.

It gave Yorkshire's seamers little encouragement, but the ball came through at an even height.

"There are mosaic-like cracks on it but they have not opened up as wide as on other parts of the square and it is when the ball hits those type of gaps that it tends to shoot through," said Hughes.

PICTURE: AT THE DOUBLE: Ryan Sidebottom