Cricket: Blewett leads the Yorkshire fightback

THE AUSTRALIAN Test player Greg Blewett hit 190 to steer Yorkshire within sight of salvaging a draw against Northamptonshire at Scarborough yesterday.

Yorkshire began the final day on 141 for 4 in their second innings, still needing 87 runs to make Northamptonshire bat again. But Blewett, who made 98 in the first innings, denied the visitors again by steering the Tykes to 374 for 7 - a lead of 146.

This game has signalled a welcome return to form for the flamboyant opener, finally coming good after a wretched season, and he received strong support from Gavin Hamilton (71no), who continues to make a case for his inclusion in an England squad following his exploits for Scotland in the World Cup.

The Gloucestershire captain, Mark Alleyne, hit an unbeaten 59 as his team reached 151 for 4 at tea in their second innings on the third day of their clash with Durham at Cheltenham. Earlier in the day Simon Brown finished with 5 for 78 as Durham bowled out Gloucestershire, resuming on 148 for five, for 202. That gave Durham a first-innings lead of 350 and forced the home side to follow on.

Nottinghamshire, chasing an improbable 325 for victory, had crumbled to 94 for 6 by tea. Usman Afzaal (46 not out) and Vasbert Drakes (12 no) were at least carrying the fight to the Kent bowlers. Earlier, Kent, 73 for 4 overnight, were bowled out for 222, Alex Wharf claiming 4 for 75.

Marcus Trescothick hit an unbeaten 139 as Somerset stormed to 288 for 1 off 71.2 overs against Middlesex at Taunton - a lead of 230 runs. Trescothick and Jamie Cox (114) shared an opening stand of 253 before the latter fell to a Mike Roseberry catch off Tim Bloomfield.

Worcestershire were forced to follow on against the county champions, Leicestershire, at Worcester. Leicestershire, 286 for 9 overnight, were bowled out for 291. But Jon Dakin, who finished with figures of 4 for 27, wrecked Worcestershire's top order by removing Phil Weston (1), Elliott Wilson (7) and Graeme Hick (4).