Match Report
Yorkshire emerged triumphant at the end of the ECB 50+ Championship, beating Lancashire by 125 runs at Kibworth CC in Leicestershire last Sunday. They retain the title they won last year and in 2015 and remain undefeated since losing to Oxfordshire in August 2016.
Winning the toss and electing to bat, openers Kevin Bradley and Nick Gaywood made their usual steady start with a partnership of 64 before Bradley was adjudged LBW for 33. This brought Butt to the wicket and the score moved on to 109 before Gaywood was caught for a well constructed 55.
Butt played a useful watchful innings interspersed with boundaries before being caught and bowled by Deakin for 40, bringing all rounder Stephen Foster to the wicket, where he remained until the end, scoring 66no. In an attempt to score as many as possible six further wickets fell as the score reached 228/9, an excellent score on a difficult track.
As Lancashire found to their cost, Yorkshire bowled and fielded in their usual energetic fashion and wickets fell at regular intervals such that only Pearson (20), Fallon (23) and Deakin (23no) reached the twenties and Lancashire were all out for 103. Bowling honours were shared by all five bowlers used with Foster 3/17 and Booth 3/27 whilst Shahnawaz, Wilson and Burden ended with one each. A comprehensive victory for teamwork, determination and no little skill.
Stephen Foster was named Man of the Match for his 66no and 3/17 with the ball.