Ottis Gibson described Yorkshire’s first victory of the season in Championship cricket – by an innings and 22 runs over Gloucestershire – as “a big moment and a proud moment too”.
Yorkshire won inside three days on the back of two standout batting contributions from openers Fin Bean and Adam Lyth, with 164 and 129 respectively. They shared 307 for the first wicket in the county’s first-innings 456 all out.
With the ball, a host of contributions came, including five wickets across the two innings from debutant fast bowler Conor McKerr.
All of his wickets came on day three as Gloucestershire were bowled out for 197 and 237, handing Yorkshire a 22-point haul from their eighth match of the campaign.
McKerr was on a hat-trick twice – once in each innings – and took the winning wicket.
“We’ve had our ups and downs all season,” said coach Gibson.
“I kept telling you that I feel like we’re doing some good things and not getting across the line. So it was really pleasing to get across the line in this game.
“From the first day, losing the toss and being put in, the way Adam and Finlay batted set the tone. Scoring 340 on the first day when you’ve been inserted is a great day.
“The only session we lost was the first one on day two. We let ourselves down, losing seven for 87. But we backed it up with the ball yesterday afternoon and again today.
“I think McKerr added a different dimension to our attack, and it was almost fitting that he got the last wicket. I thought he bowled really well on debut, and he’s done himself the world of good.
“The loan is for two games, so we have him for Chesterfield and then we’ll see.
“He’s someone I’ve always been interested in, so it was good to see him come and perform here.”
Gibson went on: “Jordan bowled really well this game – all the seamers bowled really well.
“When you think about the win, it’s a real credit to the team, a big team effort.”
So often this season, last as well, Gibson has reflected on matches with frustration. It was great to see the big Bajan with a genuine smile on his face at the end of this fixture.
“Winning in first-class cricket is very, very hard, as we’ve known for the last couple of years whilst I’ve been here,” he added. “We’ve not had many wins. We’ve had a lot of opportunities.
“Even at the end there, Zaman Akhter made it hard for us.
“You have to fight for it. So that’s why I said to them, ‘When you win, you must enjoy it’. We’re going to have a great time tonight.”
Yorkshire are back in action on Sunday against Derbyshire at Chesterfield, when captain Shan Masood will return following concussion. Ben Coad is also in contention to return following a back injury. He has played second-team cricket today, taking two wickets in a 50-over defeat to South Asian Cricket Academy at Weetwood.
