Day 2 began under grey skies with Yorkshire needing a better day than yesterday in order to get back in the game and keep any Title hopes alive.
“Night watchman”, Josh Sullivan was caught in the gully for 2, shortly followed by Will Bennison, bowled for 3 and we were 31-3. Will Luxton joined James Wharton and they “steadied the ship” with Wharton reaching his half century from 96 deliveries with 8 fours. He had reached 63 and Luxton 17 from 40 when the latter was caught at second slip and lunch was taken at 95-4 – they had added 64 in 117 balls.
Isaac Light joined Wharton and with the score at 130 he became the fifth wicket to fall unluckily caught at slip from a ricochet off the keepers gloves. Yash Vagadia made a quickfire 22 and at 162-6 Yorkshire still trailed by 134.
Wharton was then partnered by Matthew Fisher and the former reached his second century of the season from 182 balls with 11 fours and a six. They had added 66 when Whartons tremendous innings came to an end, caught at mid wicket for 125 from 203 ball (228-7).
Fisher made 37 before being bowled by James Logan, Harry Sullivan made 16 and when Ben Cliff was caught at second slip we were all out for 269 trailing by 27.
Nineteen overs remained in the day and although Harvey Round struck to remove Parakirama and Harry Sullivan to remove Harby Kent extended their lead to 86 with 8 wickets remaining.
An interesting first session awaits tomorrow.
John Virr – 2nd X1 Scorer
