- setting-up home tie in knock-out stages.
Yorkshire 50+ completed their Group 1 fixture programme with a truncated but decisive win over visitors Derbyshire 50+ at Acomb CC, York (pictured).
Persistent heavy drizzle all morning and early afternoon led to a delayed start with the overs reduced to 35 per side. Asked to bat first after losing the toss, Yorkshire piled on the runs from the off with an opening stand of 121. Kevin Bradley (Clifton Alliance) leading the way with 87 (8x4's 5x 6's) ably supported by Richard Sykes (Acomb) 69*.From 121 to a closing total of 251/4 the pace rarely slackened With Colin Frank (22) Martrin Watkin (20) Stephen Booth (13) and Neil Grant (16*) all contributing at a brisk pace once Bradley had been dismissed in the 15th over. Mahroof Hussain was Derbyshires' best bowler with 2/35.
In reply Derbyshire made a positive start through Chris Marples 27 (4x4, 1x6) and Hussain 31 (4x4) but once they were dismissed Stephen Booth ran through the middle order with 6/24. With rain returning any further play was curtailed with the visitors on 96/8 off 24 overs. Yorkshire were winners by 155 runs under the count back system used in the competition.
Yorkshire are now guaranteed a "home" tie in the knock out stages in the competition with the next crucial game to be played against an as yet unnamed county (not from Group 1) at Masham CC in North Yorkshire on Sunday July 26th 1:00pm start. All home team support will be welcomed at this delightful venue.