Prior to our final group game, the previous days results left us knowing that a win would qualify us for finals day. However, a nerve wracking ending resulted in a tie meaning that if Middlesex beat Hampshire on Friday it would come down to nett run rate.
On a sultry afternoon Lancashire won the toss and elected to bat. Dominic Leech struck in his first over followed by Duanne Olivier removing George Lavelle and our visitors were 27-2. Josh Bohannon and Rob Jones had added 40 in 34 balls when Josh Sullivan bowled Bohannon for 39 from 28 balls with four fours and a six.
Sullivan completed his allotted four overs taking 2-15 and with fellow spinner, Jack Shutt (2-27 from his 4) they kept a hold on Lancashire’s run rate. Jones had made 41 from 36 when Ben Coad had him caught behind and despite some late hitting from Liam Hurt they closed on 130-8.
In reply, Yorkshire slumped to 15-3 before Jonny Tattersall made a run a ball 22, however wickets were falling regularly at one end though Matthew Revis remained steadfast at the other. Revis found a willing ally in Leech who hit 25 from 18 balls (one four and two sixes), but nine were needed from the final over with three wickets remaining. Ben Coad was held at deep cover from the final ball and despite Revis reaching his 50 from 43 balls, he was unable to get the second run from the final delivery and a tie ensued.
All eyes now switch to the Isle of Wight for Friday’s game.
John Virr – 2nd X1 Scorer
