Northamptonshire’s Wayne Parnell was beaten at the last by an off-break at Headingley, while Somerset beat Middlesex 7.33pm BST
A one-run Yorkshire victory at Headingley had the red terraces leaning over the empty stands in anticipation. With just two needed, captain Steve Patterson ploughed in and Northamptonshire’s Wayne Parnell, who’d whisked 33 crucial runs, was beaten by a fast off-break. For a mini-moment, stillness, until Ben Sanderson fell on his haunches at the non-striker’s end, and the Yorkshire slips bounced in delight.
Northants had started the day needing another 126, reduced to 46 at lunch, though with only three wickets left. Parnell found dance partners in Gareth Berg and Simon Kerrigan, helped by fallible catching from Yorkshire. Then, after an ill-timed break for rain with only 14 needed and as the last man walked out, he fell at the final hurdle. He’d also taken 10 wickets in the match. In the word of Northants head coach David Ripley: “It is gutting.” 6.54pm BST
Hey County Championship, you spruced up a treat. A variation on an arse-nipper on display at Headingley, Taunton, Hove and lastly, and most surprisingly of all, Bristol. New heroes sleep well tonight: Iain Cockbain, Ryan Higgins, Josh Bohannon, Keaton Jennings, Steve Patterson, Tom Lace and debutant Lewis Goldsworthy.
Thanks for your company over these last four days, Simon and I will be back next week at Old Trafford and Lord’s - till then, my
Friends, have a wonderful bank holiday Monday. Good Night!