Picture by YCCC. Owen Morris celebrates his century at Higham yesterday.
Owen Morris scored a brilliant unbeaten 127 as Yorkshire’s D40 Quest side beat Cheshire at Higham yesterday to maintain pace with leaders Lancashire at the top of the North Group.
Yorkshire’s second win in three matches was achieved as they rode on a destructive 79-ball innings including 12 fours and seven sixes as they totalled 219-7 in 31 overs.
Morris reached his fifty in 39 balls and his hundred in 70, building on a 48-run opening stand between Rob Hewitt, who made 28, and Curtis Sugden (20).
In reply, Cheshire were in decent order at 111-2, only to lose wickets at regular intervals and finish on 184-7 in a match shortened by the weather. The White Rose picked up 30 points.
Morris capped off his memorable day with two wickets, though Lewis Daniels finished with the pick of the figures – 2-28 from six overs.
Five of Yorkshire’s six bowlers used all took at least one wicket, including captain Cameron Cooper, who took the new ball. Gazz Stobart and Alex Jervis also struck once apiece.
Only three points separate the top three teams in the group at its midway point, which is led by Lancashire on 68 points. Wales are second on 66 and Yorkshire third on 65. The trio have all played three, won two.
Yorkshire, national Quest champions in 2023, are chasing a second title in three seasons.
They host Shropshire next at Higham on June 29 before key clashes with Lancashire at Southport and Birkdale on July 6 and Wales at Higham on July 20.
The winners of the North Group will then face the winners of the South in a national final. Hampshire currently lead the way in the South having won four from four.
They are already on the verge of final qualification.
