Lyth battles to keep Yorkshire in Roses fight
YORKSHIRE’S Adam Lyth moved to within 14 runs of a fourth Roses first-class career century during a weather-affected day two of the Bob Willis Trophy clash with Lancashire at Emerald Headingley.
Both sides enjoyed periods of dominance during an uninterrupted morning, which saw Yorkshire advance their first innings from eight to 53 without loss before slipping to 78 for four, including two wickets in three balls for allrounder Danny Lamb.
After a rain delay, the White Rose advanced their first innings from 98 for four after 36 overs to close on 178 for six from 66. Lyth reached 86 not out off 197 balls.
Day one saw 87 overs lost to rain, with a further 35 lost during day two, meaning the chances of either side winning this penultimate round North Group fixture are slim.
A draw would be far more damaging to Lancashire - third in the North Group and 22 points off top spot prior to this fixture. Yorkshire were second and only two points behind leaders Derbyshire.
Lyth, who survived a huge lbw appeal from Tom Bailey on nought, fed on some leg-side bowling from Red Rose debutant George Burrows, who he pulled for a six added to seven boundaries in his lunch-time 45.
Lyth shared a half-century opening partnership with Tom Kohler-Cadmore (18), only for Yorkshire’s position of strength to slip away during the second half of the morning.
Of Lancashire’s four front-line seamers, Bailey, 29, is the only one with significant experience. The others, Burrows, Lamb and George Balderson, had only nine previous first-class appearances between them coming into this fixture.
But they all contributed to an impressive fightback. Burrows looked nervy, but bustling seamers Lamb and Balderson built significant pressure.
Bailey made the initial breakthrough when he had Kohler-Cadmore smartly caught low down at first slip by Keaton Jennings.
Lamb had Will Fraine caught behind for five and Tom Loten lbw for nought as the White Rose slipped to 61 for three.
Burrows returned for his second spell at the Kirkstall Lane End and almost instantly claimed his first career wicket.
Harry Brook (six) cut a short and wide delivery to Josh Bohannon at point, leaving the hosts 78 for four.
Lyth reached his 50 shortly after the evening resumption as he and Johnny Tattersall put on 61.
But Jennings claimed the scalp of Tattersall for 25 and Jordan Thompson was bowled by Burrows.
LONG-SERVING Huddersfield footballer and referee Brian Whitaker has received a 50-years’ service to football award.
As well as a medal, Brian received a certificate and lapel pin badge from Barry Chaplin, chairman of the board of directors at West Riding County FA.
Brian was a successful goalkeeper for several Huddersfield clubs including
Britannia Works in the 1960s and Bradley Rangers, ICI and Rawthorpe in the 70s.
In the 80s and 90s he played in goal for Golcar United, Storthes Hall, Heywoods Irish Centre and Marsden before finally retiring from football playing for Mount in 2008 aged 60.
Brian took up refereeing on a
Sunday in 2005 in the Huddersfield area and is now officiating on a regular basis on a Saturday in the Huddersfield & District League.