Yorkshire's continued existence in division one is hanging by the slimmest of threads after Dominic Ostler's career-best 225 made a win all but impossible for the Tykes.

Warwickshire began the second day on 374 for five with Ostler resuming on 126.

He profited from a tremendous partnership of 104 for the seventh wicket with Keith Piper (64 not out) before finally falling to Richard Dawson after a superb 240-ball innings that included 40 boundaries and one six.

Warwickshire had the luxury of being able to declare after reaching the 600 mark, and new ball bowler Neil Carter had instant success when Yorkshire replied, having Vic Craven caught by Ostler for just five.

Matt Elliott (74) and Anthony McGrath (46) put on 97 for the second wicket, before Jamie Spires took three wickets and Mark Wagh two.

That saw Yorkshire slump from 120 for one to 227 for six, with Craig White (53) the last man out before stumps

Warwickshire: M J Powell (Capt), M A Wagh, I R Bell, D P Ostler, D R Brown, T Frost, K J Piper (Wkt), M A Sheikh, N M Carter, A Richardson, J A S Spires.

Yorkshire: V J Craven, C White, M T G Elliott, A McGrath, M J Lumb, G M Fellows, N D Thornicroft, R J Blakey (Capt, Wkt), R K J Dawson, R J Sidebottom, S P Kirby.

Umpires: P Willey and V A Holder