Roses Match and a nice surprise!

What a Roses match to savour.

One for the history books as it boiled up to a thrilling climax as Lancashire sought to bowl out Yorkshire in the second innings and for much of the last day it looked like they may hold on.

Four days of clear weather with 2,000 spectators there for the first time and not a raindrop in sight meant a result was going to be likely especially as Yorkshire were quickly reduced to 21-6. They were even spared Jimmy Anderson who was rested by England and bowling in the nets. One could only speculate what Yorkshire would have scored had he been allowed to bowl on a pitch with the ball seaming around early on. But they did rally and a score of 159 brought some respectability. With Jennings dropping anchor after a bright fifty from Davies Lancashire looked set for a big score and didn't disappoint, batting well into the 3rd day for over 500.

By the end of the third day Yorkshire were 85-2 still almost 300 short of preventing an innings defeat. The last day was again hot and sunny as the Lancashire bowlers chipped away at the Yorkshire innings with Mahmood taking two quick wickets. It was a typical roses afternoon as the Yorkshire batsman dug in and gave some hope but with Mahmood and Parkinson on form the tail folded with Mahmood taking his first five-wicket haul of 5-47. It was Lancashire's first win in a Roses match since. 2011 and took them to the top of the table.

A nice surprise! I was awarded the honour of being elected as a Vice President of Lancashire at Friday night's AGM. Not bad for a Yorkshireman! ( I am converted).

Photo courtesy of Luke Adams

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