
Picture by Allan McKenzie/SWPix.com. Cameron Cooper’s side were beaten by Lancashire at Southport yesterday.
Yorkshire’s D40 Quest side dropped out of the title running in the National Quest League as they suffered a 16-run defeat to Roses rivals Lancashire at Southport and Birkdale yesterday.
A win would have given the White Rose county a great chance of securing a second title in three seasons going into their final group game of the season at home against Wales in just under a fortnight’s time.
But, unfortunately, a 16-run defeat across the Pennines – coupled with a win for Cheshire over Shropshire yesterday – means they can no longer finish top of the North Group and thus reach the national final.
They have dropped down to fourth in the table, though a win in their final game at Higham CC on July 20 would see them finish a consolatory second.
That same day, Lancashire and second-placed Cheshire will play off in Preston for the prize of North Group winners, advancing to face South Group winners Hampshire in the final.
At Southport, Lancashire totalled 169-7 from their 40 overs, Yorkshire replying with 153 all out inside 37.
Owen Morris continued his impressive campaign with 47 and two wickets.