The final day began with Yorkshire requiring 184 for victory with nine wickets remaining.
Harry Duke had moved on to 27 before his partner, Matthew Revis, was adjudged lbw for 13. This brought Ben Birkhead to the crease. Birkhead made a half century in the first innings and brought that confidence out with him. Together they brought up their 50 partnership in 94 balls and at lunch were unbeaten having taken the total to 122, Birkhead 52 not out (77 balls) and Duke 46 not out.
The second ball after lunch brought Duke his half century from 108 balls and their century partnership came up in 187 balls. They had extended this to 120 from 209 balls when Duke was caught at slip by Malan off Yates for 67 (142 balls, 8×4). This brought academy skipper, Will Luxton to the wicket. Luxton not only made 22 unbeaten but played his part in ensuring Birkhead had enough of the strike to reach his hundred – this came when he struck the winning boundary. In all he faced 149 balls for his 101 no with 15 fours.
Yorkshire win by 7 wickets and move on to Kibworth CC to face Leicestershire starting 5.7.21.
John Virr
