Cricket: Yorkshire thank Byas

A CAPTAIN'S innings from David Byas helped Yorkshire to a six- wicket win over Hampshire at Basingstoke yesterday.

Yorkshire, third in the County Championship, were left chasing a target of 139 after Matthew Hoggard had mopped up the last two Hampshire wickets with just 13 runs added to their overnight score of 111 for 8. The Tykes suffered a disastrous start, losing their openers Greg Blewett and Michael Vaughan for four each with just 13 on the board.

Byas, however, came to his side's rescue with a sparkling 95, before falling leg before to his former team-mate Peter Hartley, who finished with match figures of 11 for 113. When he departed, Yorkshire were two runs adrift of victory, which left Anthony McGrath to strike the winning runs.

"We have shown this season we can take on and beat anyone. This win will give us great confidence," Byas said. "This was an important win against another county in contention."