Cricket: Richardson cuts loose

Warwickshire 346 and 11-1

Yorkshire 178 and 282

RICHIE RICHARDSON'S first century for Yorkshire, following a stand of 173 with his captain, Martyn Moxon, ended Warwickshire's hopes of a quick finish although they will be counting on victory tomorrow. Allan Donald, who has taken 10 for 129 in the match, will feel cheated if they fail to score 104.

On a pitch that was as blameless as on the first day, with one short boundary, the two senior players were able to steer Yorkshire into a lead of 45 before Donald, Yorkshire's bete noire, broke through, pinning Moxon and then bowling Richard Blakey and Craig White.

Richardson's riposte came with a second hooked six off the South African to take him past 100 (226 balls, 13 fours). He had reached 112, giving Yorkshire a lead of 89, when he drove at Tim Munton to allow extra cover to end a fine innings.

Still 158 behind on a sticky morning, Yorkshire had reduced the deficit to 47 by lunch for the loss of David Byas and their ebullient nightwatchman Darren Gough. That brought together the two who had been ailing on Friday, Moxon and Richardson, both now refreshed.

The West Indies captain has not looked out of form for Yorkshire, he has just not scored enough runs. He thought, on arrival, that 2,000 Championship runs would be a fair return on his pounds 33,000 fee.

When he hooked Donald, without helmet, into the Hollies Stand, then pulled him slightly more square - two bullet-shots - such a target seemed possible; but he does have a habit of giving the bowler a chance, as when he slashed Paul Smith for Donald, diving at second slip, to reach the ball, then spill it.

It was Donald's turn to curse after tea when second slip put down an easier chance from Richardson as he passed his previous best for Yorkshire, 81, and it was ironic that the fast man, who seemed to bowl all day, should miss the glittering prize.