After dismissing Yorkshire for 259 on the first day, Lancashire’s reply started slowly and it was the 31st ball of the innings before the first run was scored. This was followed three balls later by Ben Cliff claiming the wicket of Walkden, caught at slip by Will Fraine after James Wharton had parried the ball to him.
However, that was the only success of the morning and lunch came with our visitors 81-1, Lavelle and Fielding both unbeaten on 38. After lunch they extended their partnership to 163 before the latter was caught at deep mid-wicket by Harry Allinson from the bowling of Yash Vagadia – Fielding had made 75 from 142 balls including 9 fours.
Lavelle reached his 50 from 84 deliveries and shortly before tea he reached his century from 162 balls with nine fours and a six. Tea was taken at 203-2.
The light closed in after tea and temperatures fell sharply, however a predominantly young attack stuck at their task wholeheartedly but without further success. Lancashire closed the day leading by 58 with eight wickets remaining (317-2). Bell closed on 74 not out from 148 balls and Lavelle unbeaten on 157 from 269 balls with 15 fours and two maximums. Their unbroken partnership stands at 153 from 294 balls.
John Virr – 2nd X1 Scorer
