Cricket: Hartley helps Yorks out of jam

YORKSHIRE secured a dramatic two-wicket victory over Gloucestershire at Bristol yesterday when Peter Hartley hit four fours off 17 balls to send the visitors into the quarter-final draw of the NatWest Trophy. His final stroke through gully carried Yorkshire past the home team's 241 for 3 with two balls left.

The West Indies captain, Richie Richardson, almost steered Yorkshire home, but when he was caught and bowled by Mark Alleyne on 90 the innings began to unravel before Hartley's reverse.

Tim Curtis, the Worcestershire captain, made a timely return to form in the one-day game in his side's four-wicket success over Derbyshire at New Road. His 82, including seven fours was the cornerstone of Worcestershire's pursuit of a target of 245, achieved with 16 balls to spare.

Another captain, Dermot Reeve, guided Warwickshire home at Edgbaston, making an unbeaten 72 off 87 balls in his side's five-wicket win over Kent. However, the all rounder Paul Smith was pleased and relieved with his contribution of 61 after conceding 22 runs in the last over to boost Kent's score to 262 for 9.