Dramatic end to County Championship

Posted by Tony Hutton

Thursday 16th September, 2010 - Yorkshire v Kent at Headingley (day 4)

The County Championship reached it's conclusion today and attention focused on three grounds - Old Trafford, Riverside and here at Headingley. If Yorkshire could force an unlikely victory out of this rain interrupted game and the other two games ended in draws, as seemed likely, it was possible for Andrew Gale's young side to snatch the title at the last gasp.

Yorkshire initially needed quick runs with the hope of a declaration to set Kent a target in their own bid to avoid relegation. At first the partnership of Lyth and McGrath prospered with boundaries coming thick and fast, but when McGrath was caught behind off a lifter from Nel the tide began to turn. Yorkshire at 93-2 were just 52 runs ahead.

To the amazement of the hopeful Yorkshire supporters their dreams of possible glory were sadly shattered when the next eight wickets fell for the addition of only 37 runs. The chief destoyer was the unlikely figure of off-spinner James Tredwell, who took the amazing figures of 7-22, including a hat-trick spread over two overs.

The crowd were in a state of shocked silence as the wickets fell so rapidly, but there was to be a twist in the tail and the spectators were brought to life again as Kent were suddenly reduced to 6-2. A target of only 90 to win seemed a long way off at this stage.

The two old hands, captain Robert Key and South African Martin Van Jaarsveld, steadied the ship, putting on 62 for the third wicket. Then another surge of support, all was still not lost as Jones and Blake, century maker in the first innings, both went for ducks. Soon after lunch it was all over with the winning hit appropriately coming from that man Tredwell. Yorkshire were well beaten in the end but their efforts were rewarded with a great ovation from the crowd as they left the field for the last time this season.

In retrospect perhaps we should realise just how young most of this side are and the pressure just seemed to get to them this morning. Having said that they have exceeded all expectations this season and with more young talent in the pipeline, such as Moin Ashraf demonstrated here, hopes must be high for next season.

The game might have been over by 2 o'clock, but thanks to Sky Sports the drama continued with action from both Old Trafford and Durham taking us through to the conclusion of the season at about 5 o'clock. The pendulum swung one way then the other. The advantage seemed to be with Somerset as they bowled Durham out and set off in pursuit of 181 at over ten an over, but after loosing early wickets they gave up the chase and settled for a draw.

Notts forced themselves back into the picture at Old Trafford, their last pair securing the vital final batting point and then needing another bowling point to finish level, dramatically reduced Lancashire to 11-3 in no time at all. So Notts and Somerset finished level on points with Notts declared champions by having most wins.

Congratulations to Notts, commiserations to both Yorkshire and Somerset, but a great day for County Championship cricket. Perhaps Sky might be persuaded to show even more next season.