YORKSHIRE V NORTHAMPTONSHIRE

Northants won the toss and batted and their opening pair of Stephen Peters and Uzman Afzaal dominated proceedings. Matthew Hoggard bowled tightly early on but they were rarely troubled. All of the Yorkshire attack went at over five an over as the pair put on a massive 214 both players making three figures. Yorkshire eventually broke through when Shahzad had Peters caught by White for a career best 107 (116 balls, 11 fours). Skipper McGrath trapped Sales for a rapid 20 (16 balls) before Afzaal's fine innings came to an end when Matthew Hoggard had him taken by White for a brilliant 132 (144 balls, 15 fours & 1 six). Like Peters this was also a career best effort. Wessles weighed in with some lusty blows making 16 as the Northants innings closed on 314 for 4. For Yorkshire most enconomical of their bowlers was spinner David Wainwright who went for 32 in his six overs.

Yorkshire's reply started poorly. Matthew Wood falling for a duck and Rudolph went for 6 as Yorkshire were reduced to 11 for 2. With rain interupting play Yorkshire were chasing a Duckworth/Lewis target of 119 in 21 overs. They lost no further wickets getting to that target. Anthony McGrath continuing his fine form making 62 not out (60 balls, 8 fours) and the returning Gerrard Brophy 45 not out (47 balls, 6 fours). There unbroken partnership stood at 108 when victory came.