Aug 28, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings running back C.J. Ham (30) carries the ball during the fourth quarter in a preseason game against the San Diego Chargers at U.S. Bank Stadium. The Vikings won 23-10. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 28, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings tight end MyCole Pruitt (83) catches a pass against the San Diego Chargers in the third quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. The Vikings won 23-10. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 28, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Teddy Bridgewater (5) throws the ball during the first quarter in a preseason game against the San Diego Chargers at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
MINNEAPOLIS—Teddy Bridgewater gave the fans at U.S. Bank Stadium plenty to cheer about and then he turned into a cheerleader.
The Vikings quarterback returned after missing one game because of an apparent sore shoulder and led them Sunday to a 23-10 preseason win over San Diego before a sellout crowd of 66,133 in the first game at the sparkling, $1.1 billion new stadium.
Playing the first half, Bridgewater completed 12 of 16 passes for 161 yards and a touchdown. Then in the second half, Bridgewater was seemingly the biggest fan in the house, rooting on his teammates while getting plenty of sideline air time in the nationally televised game.
"It was a great atmosphere and it's just great being back out there,'' Bridgewater said.
Bridgewater sat out the 18-11 preseason win at Seattle on Aug. 18 and didn't throw during two practices after that, with Vikings coach Mike Zimmer declining to give a reason why. Zimmer did say he had no concern about his quarterback, and he hammered that home after Sunday's game.
"I told you there was nothing to worry about,'' Zimmer said. "Sometimes you just got to trust me.''
Bridgewater showed there was no cause for concern by throwing plenty of crisp passes and even having a 22-yard run. His last three tosses were completions in a two-minute drill to Charles Johnson for 19 yards, to Stefon Diggs for 22 and to Kyle Rudolph for 27 and a touchdown.
The pass to Rudolph over the middle gave the Vikings the lead for good at 12-10 with 1:18 left in the first half. It came after Rudolph had lost a fumble earlier in the second quarter at the San Diego 45, a play he said he battled two defenders unnecessarily in an attempt to get extra yards.
"It was just great execution right there and understanding the situation,'' Bridgewater said of the two-minute drill leading to Rudolph's score.
Bridgewater was replaced in the second half by Shaun Hill, who played one series before giving way to Joel Stave. Then he stood on the sidelines, cheering a number of big plays by the Vikings.
Bridgewater pointed downfield, showing a possession change when rookie cornerback Mackensie Alexander had a fourth-quarter interception. He cheered wildly when linebacker Terrance Plummer made a big hit on a punt return and when rookie safety Jayron Kearse had an interception return for 38 yards.
"Man, I was excited,'' Bridgewater said. "I'm excited when all those young guys are out there being able to compete.''
The Vikings gave fans plenty to be excited about in their debut at U.S. Bank Stadium. Sometimes things even turned out right when they looked to be going wrong.
Early in the third quarter, Hill threw a pass to tight end MyCole Pruitt, who fumbled after an 11-yard gain to the San Diego 3. But the ball rolled into the end zone and was recovered by wide receiver Cordarrelle Patterson for a touchdown. The Vikings extended the lead to 20-10 on Hill's two-point conversion pass to Treadwell.
Other stars Sunday included running back Jerick McKinnon, who carried eight times for 56 yards, including a 35-yard jaunt, Diggs, who caught five balls for 71 yards and defensive end Justin Trattou, who had two sacks.
But the real star was the stadium.
"It's incredible,'' Rudolph said. "I can't wait to get out there (for the Sept. 11 regular-season opener against Green Bay) and really open this place for real. Just the environment and atmosphere we for a preseason game was one, if not the best, that I've been in for any game.''
Kicker Blair Walsh, who booted field goals of 23, 33 and 23 yards, called the atmosphere "crazy'' for a preseason game. Bridgewater said the fans are right behind the players on the bench and he loved interacting with them.
Zimmer liked the atmosphere but said the Vikings are still learning about their new digs. He even had to ask where the timeouts remaining were displayed.
On the field, Zimmer lauded the play of Bridgewater, was pleased to see the Vikings run for 122 yards, and generally liked the play of the defense. Of course, he also saw things needing to be corrected.
The Vikings had trouble scoring touchdowns in the red zone, lost two fumbles and Bridgewater was sacked three times in the first half, although Zimmer attributed some of that to left tackle Matt Kalil being out. Zimmer didn't like seeing San Diego's Melvin Gordon score on a 39-yard touchdown run early in the second quarter for a 7-6 Chargers lead, but he blamed himself for a calling a blitz on first down.
Overall, though, Zimmer was in good spirits. That was in stark contrast to his crummy mood after the Seattle game.
"Hope I don't get any question about (Bridgewater's) arm,'' he said in his opening remarks after the game.

Vikings open new stadium with preseason win


Kneeling on the sidelines with Minnesota Vikings running back Matt Asiata quarterback Teddy Bridgewater lets lose a yawn as he watches the second team in scrimmages in the afternoon practice on the third day of the Minnesota Vikings training camp at Minnesota State University in Mankato on Sunday, July 31, 2016. (Pioneer Press: John Autey)
Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson walks onto the field during the afternoon practice on the second day of the Minnesota Vikings training camp at Minnesota State University in Mankato on Saturday, July 30, 2016. (Pioneer Press: John Autey)
MINNEAPOLIS—Adrian Peterson hasn't run the ball in a preseason game since 2011. And that won't be changing this year.
The Vikings running back said Thursday he won't play in either of the final two exhibition games, and next will take the field for the Sept. 11 regular-season opener at Tennessee.
Peterson said in May he was "itching" to get preseason carries. But he said he ended up changing his mind.
"I just really thought about it and didn't feel like it was the best thing in my interest, knowing that I can be ready for the first week against Tennessee, like I've done a thousand times in the past (when not playing in the preseason),'' Peterson said. "That's pretty much what it came down to.''
Peterson said the final decision was his. Vikings coach Mike Zimmer said last week that if Peterson wanted to play, he would be receptive.
"It was my decision," Peterson said. "If I would have said, 'Hey, I want to play,' I'm sure he would have open to it."
The Vikings close exhibition play with games at U.S. Bank Stadium on Sunday against San Diego and Thursday against Los Angeles. Peterson didn't deny some fans will be disappointed not seeing him when the new building opens for football.
"I can definitely understand that, but we'll have that opportunity Sunday night against Green Bay, so I'm looking forward to it," Peterson said of the first regular-season game Sept. 18 at U.S. Bank Stadium.
The 10-year veteran hasn't had an exhibition carry since he suffered a serious knee injury in December 2011. He played briefly in a 2013 game at San Francisco but didn't touch the ball.
There has been a big difference with how Peterson has looked in regular season openers after carrying the ball in the preseason compared to when he didn't.
In five openers after getting exhibition work, Peterson has averaged 114.2 yards per game and 5.8 yards per carry. In four openers after he didn't, Peterson has averaged just 70.8 yards per game with a 4.3 average.
Peterson said in May he was hopeful of playing in the preseason to "get the legs moving and get the pads'' on. He ended up weighing the pros and cons, with the latter obviously involving possible injury.
"There's always some good you can get from it. ... Getting that first layer of contact out of the way and some reads at full speed,'' Peterson said. "There's some good and some bad. I just decided to wait until the games count.''
Peterson did note that he sat out the 2012 preseason and ended up rushing for 2,097 yards, second-most in NFL history.
Perhaps some preseason reps could have benefited Peterson in running out of the shotgun. Peterson has had struggles with that formation but claimed he is improving.
"I'm liking it more,'' Peterson said. "I was always against running out of the shotgun, but now I've switched and tweaked the way I'm approaching it. ... I'm getting good at it.''
Peterson said the improvement has been a result of practice reps and watching film, and then correcting mistakes.
"His style is to get the ball and go fast, and sometimes in the gun, you have to be a little bit more patient,'' Zimmer said. "You have to be a little bit more rounded. You've got to get your shoulders square to the line of scrimmage. ... He's better behind the quarterback than he is in the gun, I would guess, but he has been working hard at it.''
Not playing in the preseason also delays Peterson getting comfortable in a game behind a retooled offensive line. The Vikings added free agents Alex Boone and Andre Smith, moves Peterson has liked.
"As far as the mind-set, (the line is) a little more aggressive with the attitude,'' Peterson said. "The biggest thing for me that I've noticed, they just play with a little bit more of a sense of urgency, more energy.''

Upon further review, Peterson decides not to play in preseason


Leah Corcoran shows how she administers the medical cannabis oil used to treat her daughter, Sarah Taylor.
Leah Corcoran embraces her 25-year-old daughter, Sarah Taylor, on Aug. 18 in their home. Taylor uses medical cannabis oil to treat her tonic-clonic seizures, which she has suffered from since she was an infant.
"We're on a five-day stretch right now," Corcoran said, knocking on a nearby wooden dresser. "Very excited, I know, it's incredible."
That day was the fifth day in a row that Corcoran's 25-year-old daughter, Sarah Taylor, had not been woken by a violent seizure, something that, up until two months ago, was the norm.
The decrease in the frequency of Taylor's tonic-clonic seizures—previously called grand mal—corresponds with the use of medical cannabis oil to treat the seizure disorder she's lived with since infancy.
Taylor was born a "typical infant," Corcoran said, but at three months old she began having seizures. Taylor has been officially diagnosed with idiopathic intractable seizures—meaning treatment-resistant seizures of unknown origin.
"Her life has been defined by seizures," Corcoran said. "She's severely disabled now, and she's nonverbal. She used to talk, she used to be much more mobile than she is now, but she lives at home with us because she's completely dependent on others for her care."
Most of the time Taylor uses a wheelchair, though she will occasionally get up and walk around. Sometimes she will eat and drink without help, though Corcoran or a personal care assistant will often feed her by hand and administer liquids through a gastronomy tube, which is inserted through the abdomen and delivers nutrition directly to the stomach.
Corcoran has always been sure that if Taylor's seizures could be decreased, her quality of life would improve. The family has tried every kind of treatment, from conventional anticonvulsants to acupuncture. But, until Taylor began using the cannabis oil, nothing worked.
"It's devastated her life. Having seizures has completely changed the trajectory of her life," Corcoran said. "That's been very sad for us as a family to come to terms with the reality of having a devastating disability."
Dr. William Dicks, a pain management specialist with Sanford Bemidji, said no one is sure how cannabis works to prevent seizures—or whether it really does—because of a lack of research due to the drug's illegal status.
Dicks has never treated Taylor, but spoke about one theory that could explain why some believe the drug prevents seizures.
The brain continues three supporting structures, Dicks said, including microglia, which are more common than neurons. Microglia can become activated, turning into macrophages, which "clean up" debris in the brain by doing things like destroying bacteria and viruses.
"What possibly happens then is that these cannabinoids—now we're in conjecture—stabilize these microglia so they stop becoming activated," Dicks said.
This theory has not been proven, however.
"It's not been studied formally for seizures," Dicks said. "Not one study."
Corcoran campaigned to legalize medical marijuana in Minnesota, confident it would help her daughter. She signed up for email alerts and wrote to legislators along with friends and family. She thought once medical cannabis was legalized, the rest would be easy.
"We worked really hard to get that, and we were delighted when it passed," Corcoran said. "I didn't realize how hard it was going to be to get her enrolled in the program ... you have to find a physician willing to enroll you. That in itself was very difficult."
Since medical marijuana was legalized in the state last year, 2,492 patients have successfully enrolled in the program and 256 caregivers have received background checks and are approved in the registry.
Corcoran eventually found a doctor, whose name she prefers not to make public, and Taylor was enrolled in the program. After a "tremendous" amount of paperwork and certifications—a year of work and waiting—Taylor began taking medical cannabis oil.
"It was frustrating," Corcoran said. "A little disheartening. I had hoped that it would have been easier than it was ... I persevered because it was something we had been waiting for for years."
The form of medical cannabis Taylor uses does not create the high associated with marijuana. The plant has two compounds: THC, which creates a high, and CBD, which is effective for things like nausea, seizures and glaucoma. Taylor's oil has 20 parts CBT for every one part THC.
The results were nearly instant, according to Corcoran. After her first dose of the oil—given to her through her gastronomy tube—Taylor went three days without seizures.
"When we started this, right away the first thing we noticed was that she was not having a seizure in the morning," Corcoran said. "How nice is that, to not have to wake up to a seizure for her?"
During the past two months, Taylor's dose of cannabis oil has been gradually increased from two milliliters twice a day to five twice a day. She still takes her conventional anticonvulsants, but Corcoran says her daughter is showing dramatic signs of improvement.
"Anybody that knows Sarah, and has worked with her, they all say the same thing. They just can't believe the change," Corcoran said. "It's like she's waking up, like she's coming alive and coming into herself and becoming the person that she really is inside."
But Corcoran is not sure she and her family can sustain the treatment. State law allows a patient or caregiver enrolled in Minnesota's medical cannabis program to purchase no more than a 30-day supply of the medication. Because insurance companies do not cover medical marijuana, all costs are out-of-pocket.
For Taylor, a 30-day supply of the oil at her current dosage costs $450. This has strained the family's finances, though Corcoran and her partner both work. They have two younger children, and Corcoran worries she won't be able to afford the oil for much longer.
"My savings is gone now, boom, one-and-a-half months, my savings is gone," Corcoran said. "So while it's been a great program in that it's helped a number of people, it's really a drug for a wealthy population."
Corcoran has started a bank account at Security Bank USA solely for Taylor's medical cannabis expenses, and hopes to receive help from family, friends and community members. Anyone interested in donating can make out a check to the Cobalt Care Fund, Corcoran said.
Though Taylor still has seizures and remains nonverbal, Corcoran remains hopeful.
"I was expecting it to be the silver bullet," Corcoran said. "It's not, but it's as close to a silver bullet as I could ever have expected."

'It's incredible:" Bemidji resident Sarah Taylor has seen improvements for her condition after using medical cannabis oil


Three men face felony charges after an alleged shoplifting spree at the new Mills Fleet Farm store in Hermantown.
Police said the suspects were apprehended on Tuesday afternoon — just six days after the store opened its doors — after they allegedly removed security devices and stole a number of items, including clothing, sunglasses, binoculars, tools and knives.
Jacob Anthony Carlson, 21, of Proctor; James Eugene Ferry, 27, of Toivola; and Kyle David Okstad, 25, of Duluth, each face a felony charge of possession of burglary tools.
Okstad also faces a fifth-degree possession of a controlled substance charge after police said a search turned up a small amount of heroin.
According to court documents:
Video surveillance showed the men entering the store, 4165 Loberg Ave., and concealing merchandise in their clothing.
The video showed Carlson using a knife to open a pair of binoculars, before discarding the empty packaging in a box of boots. He also was seen placing a cordless drill kit in his pants pocket.
Okstad was seen on the video removing a security tag from an Under Armor sweatshirt before proceeding to the hunting department, where he used a knife to steal a Leatherman multi-tool device.
Ferry was shown on the surveillance video removing tags from a pair of sunglasses and slicing open a package containing a tactical knife before leaving the store and meeting up with his co-defendants in the parking lot.
Hermantown police officers reviewed the video and stopped the vehicle, which was driven by Ferry. The stolen merchandise, along with knives suspected to be used in the theft, were recovered. Police said Ferry admitted that he agreed to drive his friends to the store to steal the goods.
A small plastic bag containing two-tenths of a gram of a substance that field-tested positive for heroin also was recovered from Okstad.
Assistant St. Louis County Attorney Kristen Swanson asked for cash bail for all three men, citing extensive criminal histories.
Ferry is currently on supervised release for a third-degree controlled substance charge, and had checked in for the Drug Court program just four days earlier, Swanson said.
Carlson was released from the Northeast Regional Corrections Center on July 17 after serving a sentence for third-degree burglary, felony theft and check forgery.
Okstad was released from prison on June 9 and remains on supervised release on charges of third-degree burglary, third-degree sale of a controlled substance and escape from custody.
Sixth Judicial District Judge Eric Hylden set bail at $20,000 for Okstad and $10,000 for Ferry and Carlson.
All three are due back in court on Sept. 14.

Minnesota men face felony charges after shoplifting sunglasses, possessing heroin


Nobodys got no class! – So sing the cast of The World Goes Round – a celebration of the Kander and Ebb songbook.
Well, this show has class and style in spades – it’s one of the best shows to be produced as part of the repertory in the Round in years.
The cast – all with West End pedigree – are Nigel Richards, Shona White, Laura Jane Matthewson, Ashley Samuels and Phoebe Fildes. All can ‘act’ a song as well as sing it.
The show is a revue of songs from Kander and Ebb musicals including the big hitters Cabaret, Chicago, Kiss of the Spider Woman and New York, New York plus the lesser known The Rink, 70, Girls,70, The Happy Time, Zorba, Flora, The Red Menace, Funny Lady and Woman of the Year.
The cast perform either singularly in duets, trios or all together – each given their moments in the spotlight.
The pace is quick – there’s no narrative arc just number after number – but the mood swings from melancholy to mirth in minutes .
The opening number is slowly paced And the World Goes Round – it is sung again later on – followed by the jittery, jolly Coffee in a Cardboard Cup.
Then there’s the fun of Sara Lee, The Rink - performed on skates – the sexy Arthur in the Afternoon, the sleazy Class and joyous Ring Them Bells.
All that Jazz gets the treatment from Shona White and every tear is wrung from the heartbreaker Maybe This Time by Laura Jane Matthewson.
Nigel Richards is outstanding – and shines in Mr Cellophane and I Don’t Remember You.
Of course, Cabaret is in the mix but is given a different jazzier arrangement – and the curtain comes down with the crowd pleaser New York, New York.
Get your tickets before word gets round – and it will – and this becomes a sell out.
The World Goes Round is at the Stephen Joseph Theatre, in rep, until September 3.
Box office: 01723 370541
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Nobodys got no class! – So sing the cast of The World Goes Round – a celebration of the Kander and Ebb songbook.


Review: The World Goes Round, Stephen Joseph Theatre, Scarborough


Three wickets in nine balls at a cost of two runs for Stuart Meaker tore the heart out of Yorkshire’s batting at Headingley and sent Surrey through to the final of the Royal London One-Day Cup at Lord’s.
A century for man-of-the-match Steven Davies and 90 from Ben Foakes left Yorkshire Vikings chasing a 256 target and although they recovered well after Meaker’s dramatic intervention, thanks to a brave 68 from Tim Bresnan, the task was just beyond them and they were bowled out for 236 to lose by 19 runs with seven balls remaining.
Yorkshire captain Alex Lees is bowled out by Surrey's Gareth Batty for 26. Picture: Richard Sellers/PA.
Surrey now have the chance to avenge last season’s final defeat by Gloucestershire but for Yorkshire it was the second consecutive year that they have stumbled at the last-four stage.
It also continued a depressing run of semi-final reverses in List A cricket for Yorkshire, who have now lost 17 times out of 20 on such occasions since 1979.
Captain Alex Lees admitted - combined with defeat in last week’s T20 Blast semi-final to Durham Jets - Yorkshire hadn’t been good enough to progress in either game.
“I think we are all gutted to lose because we have played some great white ball cricket this season,” said Lees. “But when it has mattered in two semi-finals over the past week we have not been good enough.
Yorkshire's Tim Bresnan (second left) is congratulated by Jack Brooks (second right) and Jonny Bairstow (right) after taking the wicket of Surrey's Kumar Sangakkara. Picture by Alex Whitehead/SWpix.com
“I thought it was a reachable target and we needed some contributions from the top five and this didn’t happen. All credit to the Surrey bowlers who kept going.”
Lees was also quick to praise the efforts of Bresnan, adding: “He has won three or four games single-handed for us and has been exceptional both with the bat and ball. His big contribution almost got us there. When we look back it will have been a positive season but you still don’t want to lose two semi-finals.”
Yorkshire lost Adam Lyth to Jade Dernbach in their third over and after skipper, Alex Lees, had played some solid strokes in reaching 26 he was bowled driving at his opposite number, Gareth Batty.
At 74-2 in 19 overs, however, Yorkshire were still handily placed until Meaker, bowling from the football end, began his lethal burst.
Jonny Bairstow, released by England for the match, drove gently to Dominic Sibley at mid-wicket; Gary Ballance was caught behind trying to flick over the top of the slips and Jack Leaning dragged into his leg-stump.
The slide to 81-5 was halted by Bresnan and 20-year-old all-rounder, Matthew Waite, who enjoyed a fine match in which he earlier captured three wickets and then scored 38 in an enterprising stand of 80 in 16 overs with his senior partner.
Waite survived a confident appeal for a catch off Batty’s bowling but in the next over from Sam Curran he drove into Batty’s hands at mid-on. Bresnan and Will Rhodes kept the hopes of the 4,836 crowd alive with a busy stand of 46 which ended at 207 in the 45th over when Rhodes played to backward point and set off for a single but was beaten by Tom Curran’s direct hit on the stumps at the bowler’s end.
Bresnan and Azeem Rafiq continued to battle hard, but when Tom Curran sent back both Rafiq and Steven Patterson in the 48th over to make it 236-9 the task was just beyond Yorkshire and the match ended when Bresnan drove Dernbach to Sibley at long-off, his 68 coming off 82 balls with two fours and a six.
Put in to bat, Surrey found themselves on eight for two by the third over, with Kumar Sangakkara one of the wickets to fall, but the early setbacks did not unsettle Davies whose 104 followed consecutive Championship scores of 117, 52 and 56 against Yorkshire this season.
Jack Brooks, in his first List A match of the summer, struck in the day’s second over as Dibley shaped to play to leg but missed and was lbw. Sangakkara was quick of the mark, cutting Bresnan for four, but in the same over the Sri Lankan drove loosely to Rafiq in the covers.
Davies, however, made smooth progress with some splendidly timed shots through the covers, taking boundaries off consecutive balls from Brooks, and he hit 34 of the first 48 runs scored.
But at 61-2 in 14 overs, Waite joined the attack and his first delivery was flicked casually to long leg by Burns for Patterson to hold a good catch dropping to his knees.
It should have been an even more memorable over for Waite but three balls later Davies, on 43, drove back past the bowler’s hands and the chance went begging.
Had Davies gone then, Surrey would have been in big trouble but they were rescued by Davies’ and Foakes’ partnership of 130, the visitors’ highest for the fourth wicket in List A cricket against Yorkshire and beating the 110 by Monty Lynch and Andrew Needham at Bradford in 1985.
Davies, having reached his half-century from 57 deliveries, continued to time the ball to perfection, hooking Bresnan for four and on-driving Rafiq for six while Foakes moved smartly to his own 50 from 51 balls, the stand entering three figures in 21 overs.
A single to Davies off Patterson took him to his century off 112 balls with ten fours and a six, but four runs later he hit a low full toss from Waite straight to Rhodes on the mid-wicket boundary.
Surrey were 191-4 in the 39th over and they lost much of their momentum in the last dozen overs or so, Sam Curran going for 16 when he was bowled by Waite in a futile and ungainly attempt to scoop the ball round the corner.
Waite’s figures of three for 48 were Yorkshire’s best of the day and at the end of his stint he received warm and prolonged applause from the appreciative crowd.
Foakes struck Bresnan high over long on for six but was denied a century when a ramp shot went wrong and he was caught by Brooks for 90 from 100 balls with seven fours to go alongside his big hit.
Surrey debutant, Ollie Pope, was run out for 20 off the last ball of an innings which never quite blossomed as much as it might of done, although it may never have bloomed at all but for Davies and Foakes.
As it happened (the last 10 overs) ...
49.5 overs - WICKET - GAME OVER - Bresnan hits high full tos down the throat of Sibley at long-off from the bowling of Jake Dernbach - Bresnan dismissed for 68. Surrey win by 19 runs
48 overs: WICKET - Yorkshire 234-9 - Steve Patterson goes first ball, ball stopped on him and he just looped a catch up to Sangakarra at mid on.
47. 3 overs: WICKET - Yorkshire 231-8 - Rafiq hits full toss down to long on where he is caught by Burns off Tom Curran - Steven Patterson joins Bresnan who is 64 no
47 overs: Yorkshire 229-7 - Another good over Yorkshire, good running once again - Bresnan 64 no; Rafiq 5 no. 27 needed off 18 balls
46 overs: Yorkshire 222 -7 - Good over for Yorkshire, 143 runs including big six over long on from Bresnan and some cracking running between the wickets; Bresnan 62 no; Rafiq 2 no
45 overs: Yorkshire 209- 7 - Two runs off the last ball brings up 50 for Bresnan, who is joined at the crease by Azeem Rafiq - Bresnan, 51 no; Rafiq 0 no 44.5 overs: WICKET Yorkshire 207-7 - Rhodes run out from direct hit by ???? at backward point. Rhodes hesitated slightly before setting off and it proved costly
44 overs: Yorkshire 202-6 - Bresnan 47 no; Rhodes 21 no - 54 needed off 36 balls. Surrey bowling nice and tight, making it difficult for both Bresnan and Rhodes to get them away.
43 overs: Yorkshire 193-6 - Bresnan 44 no; Rhodes 15 no - 63 off 41 needed
42 overs: Yorkshire 188-6 - Bresnan 42 no; Rhodes 12 no- 68 needed off 48 balls
41 overs: Yorkshire 179-6 - Bresnan 37 no; Rhodes 10 no - 77 needed
40 overs: Yorkshire 173-6 - Bresnan 36 no; Rhodes 4no - 83 runs needed

Royal London Cup: Yorkshire v Surrey - Misery for Yorkshire as they miss out on Lord’s final yet again in Headingley defeat


Three wickets in nine balls at a cost of two runs for Stuart Meaker tore the heart out of Yorkshire’s batting at Headingley and sent Surrey through to the final of the Royal London One-Day Cup at Lord’s.


Possessing a voice to die for, Judie Tzuke is rightfully regarded as one of the finest vocalists in the land.
Here, in the run-up to her appearance at Cottingham Folk Festival, “Pulse” author Steve Rudd catches up with the “Stay With Me ’Till Dawn” singer…
Judie Tzuke is putting the finishing touches to her new album.
Q. How was 2016 treated you so far, Judie?
A. With difficulties! I’ve been moving house, and that’s never easy.
Other than that, it’s been good. I’ve done a few gigs, and I enjoy doing those.
Q. So you’re back on the road. How does it feel to be touring the UK again?
A. Well, I never used to enjoy it, because I was always terrified. But then, one night in London, I lost my voice, and everything I’d ever been terrified of happened all at once on stage, yet it ended up being an amazing gig, mainly because my audience and my band were so fantastic.
It made me realise that I’ve just got to do what I do.
This “acoustic” tour that I’m doing (called the “Songs and Stories” tour) is very different in that it’s not a band thing.
I’m doing it with just one or two guitarists, and one or two of my daughters – and sometimes a keyboard player! If people in the audience have anything to ask me, that’s fantastic… and then we chat properly. It’s a much more intimate thing now.
After that “awful” gig in London, which became one of my favourite gigs of all time, I’ve been wanting to know who’s coming to see me. I want to meet them, and talk to them, and find out who they are.
I find that people in my audiences are much like me really; the only difference is that I’m up on stage, and they’re watching me.
Q. Have you ever considered writing an autobiography?
A. I haven’t. I have been asked, though, but I’d find it a bit awkward.
A lot of my stories are mine, but they obviously include other people.
I think it’s okay to talk about them in a live setting, but if I was putting my stories down on paper, I’d have to be so respectful of the people I’m talking about.
Whatever happens on stage, stays on stage!
Q. I understand that you’ve been working on a new album…
A. Well, the album (with the working title of “Woman Overboard”) is almost finished.
I did most of it a couple of years ago. It was going to come out, but then I got cancer; everything stopped, and I had to sort that out.
So it’s taken a long time to make, though it’s been “almost ready” for a while. I think we’re adding a few new tracks.
It’s an album I really like; I always like the albums when I make them.
I sometimes go off them later.
Of course, I think every album is the best thing I’ve ever done every time I make a new one!
Q. Of all the albums you’ve released over the years, of which are you the proudest?
A. I like all of them for different reasons, but I’m particularly fond of the first album, “Welcome to the Cruise”.
A singer’s or a band’s first album is an accumulation of everything they’ve done in their life.
After that, it becomes what you’ve done in between that album and the next, so my first album will always have a huge place in my heart. But I think “Secret Agent” is my overall favourite. I don’t put anything out that I don’t think is me, so I have to like my albums, otherwise there’s no point in me doing them.
The one that we’ve got out at the moment is basically an album of demos. What we often do is make demos, and then we rethink them.
The album is called “Song Club 2013.” I’m really proud of it, because people get to hear how our songs start out.
Q. How does it feel to know that “Stay With Me ’Till Dawn” has been voted as being one of the Top 50 British Songs of the past 50 years?
A. It’s amazing, a fantastic thing. I’m so lucky, because I still love it.
I don’t mind singing it every night. It’s a song that I’m proud of.
It feels right; it’s just supposed to be the way it is.
I don’t want to redo it, I like it the way it is.
Q. You’ve collaborated with everybody from Lucie Silvas to Morcheeba, Fragma to Gareth Gates. What do you enjoy most about collaborating with fellow songwriters and musicians?
A. Well, if they’re as enthusiastic as I am, and love music as much as I do, it’s just a wonderful opportunity to listen to somebody else’s ideas, and to get inspired by whatever they’re going through.
I’ve been working a lot with Tom Baxter, who I love working with.
We both absolutely love writing songs.
The writing side for me is the most exciting thing.
I think a lot of people who are like me tend to be sad people; we tend to get a bit depressed sometimes.
I think the fact that you can make something positive out of something negative is a wonderful thing.
I don’t know what I’d do if I couldn’t write songs.
When I write about something, it gets it outside of me.
Q. Have you found that writing songs has become any easier over the years?
A. Well, I have learnt to not get too hung up on a song and spend months and months working on it, because what I did when I first wrote it is very often all that was needed. I can sometimes overthink songs.
Q. So what kind of format does your “Songs and Stories” tour take? Are you mainly performing new songs, or are songs from all eras of your career getting a look in?
A. I’m doing all eras.
There are quite a few from the first album, partly because we’re performing in smaller towns and smaller arts centres instead of doing bigger cities, and there are some people who are seeing me for the first time since the eighties, and I think they want to hear songs from the first album.
Somebody even suggested that I do the whole first album with a band, like Carole King has done with “Tapestry.” It’d be a lot of fun, so who knows? We might do that next year!
l Judie will be performing at Cottingham Folk Festival on 28 August. Visit www.cottinghamfolkfestival.co.uk for more information and tickets
l For more information about Steve Rudd, or to order a signed copy of “Pulse”, visit www.steverudd.co.uk

The Steve Rudd interview - with Judie Tzuke


Possessing a voice to die for, Judie Tzuke is rightfully regarded as one of the finest vocalists in the land.


Yorkshire's Strictly Come Dancing ex-champions Darren Bennett and Lilia Kopylova will quick step back home this weekend - to give free dance lessons to fans.
It coincides with the start of a new season of the hit BBC One show.
Strictly's most successful couple, now parents to one-year-old Valentina Rose, are returning to their family's City Limits Dancentre studio in Penistone Road, Sheffield.
They will take part in free taster sessions on Saturday, September 3, from noon to 2pm. Full details and more at www.city-limits.co.uk
City Limits is run by Sheffield born Darren's parents, former dance champions, Tony and Judith, and his twin brother Dale.
Darren, aged 39, and his Moscow wife Lilia, 37, are the most successful competitor couple of their generation, winning four British amateur championships, three UK championships and representing Great Britain at the World and European Championships.
They turned professional in 2003, winning the British National Professional Championship two years running and made the final of the World and European Championships.
But they became household names when they joined the cast of Strictly Come Dancing in 2004 and won the show in consecutive years.
At his first attempt Darren, dancing with Jill Halfpenny from Eastenders, won the show and then went on to win the Champion of Champions dance off.
In 2005, Lilia waltzed off with the title while partnering Barnsley's own former Yorkshire and England cricketing star Darren Gough, after which they also went on to win the International Christmas special.
They went on to host their own West End show, Latin Fever, which they toured nationally and are today still regarded as one of Britain’s finest Latin American dance couples.
More recently they have worked on the Turkish and Lebanese versions of the Strictly TV show, Darren, born in Deepcar and brought up in Todwick, as a judge and Lilia as a consultant choreographer to the professional dancers.
Darren has also consulted on Danse Avec la Stars, the first series of the French version of Dancing with the Stars.
As well as being successful competitors and performers they have built up an International reputation as coaches, choreographers and first class trainers in both dance and corporate arenas.
They have also trained many of the top junior, youth and amateur couples, including the British Junior champions and No. 1 youth couple in the UK.
Darren's twin Dale said: "Strictly is back and we have Darren and Lilia joining us for an open day, with free taster sessions for children and adults to come along and see what being a student at City Limits is like.
"Fans can take part in one of our Ballroom and Latin classes led by Darren and Lilia.
"It runs from 2pm until 4pm, and we have a timetable of taster sessions throughout the day. Plus visitors can chat to our teachers and find out more about our new beginners' classes starting in September.
OPEN DAY TASTER CLASS SESSIONS
12.15-12.45pm: BALLROOM & LATIN WITH DARREN AND LILIA ALL AGES
12.30-1.00pm: STREETDANCE FOR ALL AGES 4-ADULT
12.30-1pm: BABY BALLET AND TAP
1.00-1.30pm : SALSA AND LATIN WITH DARREN AND LILIA
1.15-2pm: ZUMBA AND FITSTEPS TASTER
1.15-1.45pm: ADULT TAP
The pole fitness studio will also be open, for demonstrations and free workshops, from 12-2pm.
There will also be three Ballroom and Latin technique workshops for those wishing to develop their skills
2pm: Juvenile (under 12's), 45min, cost £5.
2.45pm: Junior (age 12 to 15), 45min, cost £5.
3.30pm, - Adult (age 16+), 60min, cost £8.
For more information about the open day and new class timetable, call he studio on 0114 234 4866 or visit www.city-limits.co.uk
Also visit Darren and Lilia's official website at www.darrenandlilia.com
* Strictly Come Dancing has confirmed this year's celebrity cast for the show, which returns on BBC One on Saturday, September 3, 6.50pm.
The line-up features EastEnders actor Tameka Empson, Birds of a Feather’s Lesley Joseph, former shadow chancellor Ed Balls, Pop Idol winner Will Young, former Eternal singer Louise Redknapp, actor Danny Mac, newsreader Naga Munchetty, reality TV’s Judge Rinder, US singer Anastacia, model Daisy Lowe, GB long-jumper Greg Rutherford, gymnast Claudia Fragapane, presenters Laura Whitmore and Ore Oduba, DJ and presenter Melvin Odoom.
TV stars Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman will be on hosting duties with the judging panel of Darcey Bussell, Bruno Tonioli, Craig Revel Horwood and – in his final year – Len Goodman. For more visit www.bbc.co.uk

Yorkshire's Strictly ex-champs to give free dance lessons at City Limits


THE NatWest T20 Blast is all done and dusted.
A Royal London Cup semi-final looms on the horizon but, for now, Yorkshire’s attention returns to the Specsavers County Championship.
England's Stuart Broad is absent from the Notts line up Picture: Adam Davy/PA.
They are second in Division One, 26 points behind Middlesex with a game in hand.
And this week’s match against Nottinghamshire at Scarborough represents that game in hand.
It comes against a side who are bottom of the league and staring down the barrel of relegation.
Mathematically, it is not a must-win fixture, for there are still four to play after this match.
But it presents an obvious opportunity for Yorkshire to close the gap on Middlesex, and to close it to just two points if they can claim the maximum 24.
Yorkshire travel to second-bottom Hampshire next week and host third-bottom Durham the following week, before ending their campaign at home to Somerset and away to Middlesex.
A hat-trick of titles is still in their hands, but you sense that they need to seize the present moment.
It will not be easy.
Not only is the weather unpredictable at this time of year, rendering victories already gained like gold dust, but sides such as Notts are scrapping for points for different reasons – namely, their First Division survival.
Trent Bridge is arguably the finest ground in the country – at least outside of Lord’s, and with all due respect to Scarborough –but it faces the unpalatable prospect of Second Division cricket.
It will be extremely tough for Notts to beat a strong Yorkshire team at Scarborough, a ground where Notts have won only once in 12 matches, indeed, but that does not mean that they will be pushovers in what has been a tight division.
Yorkshire have a good recent record in the Championship at North Marine Road, but they lost on their last outing there in early July – an innings defeat to Middlesex that they hope will not have the same look in retrospect that Durham’s win there did in 2013, when it provided the impetus for the visitors to go on and pip Jason Gillespie’s team to the title.
Yorkshire, on paper, should be too strong for Notts, and yet the visitors possess some talented players.
Stuart Broad, the England pace bowler, is out with an ankle injury, and there is no Jake Ball or Alex Hales, who are on one-day international duty along with Yorkshire’s Joe Root, Jonny Bairstow, Liam Plunkett and Adil Rashid.
But Notts have plenty of seasoned campaigners – not least the evergreen Chris Read and Samit Patel.
First-team coach Gillespie is certainly not taking Notts for granted as his side go in search of their fourth win of the Championship campaign.
“It’s going to be a massive challenge,” said Gillespie.
“Notts are a very good side, and although they haven’t played the cricket they’d like in the Championship, they’re an incredibly dangerous team and they’ve got some real match-winners.
“We need to play at our best if we’re going to compete with them, and we’ve got to make sure that we tick all the boxes.
“We’ve got a good record at Scarborough in recent times, and hopefully we can build on that this week.”
A week of inactivity for Middlesex would be as good a week as any for the champions to strike, with the leaders battling problems of their own.
With pace bowler Steven Finn currently out with a hamstring injury, Middlesex have been dealt another blow with the news that former Notts batsman Adam Voges will not be returning to captain them for their last four games, with Cricket Australia wanting him to rest his own hamstring problem.
Middlesex return to action next week when they travel to Warwickshire before visiting Notts the following week.
They continue their programme away to Lancashire before the potentially key fixture with Yorkshire in late September.
Notts, who are 14 points adrift at the bottom, really need something from this week’s fixture.
Mick Newell, their coach, is considering changes to his batting line-up, with Root’s brother, Billy, among those who could come into the team along with fellow batsman Tom Moores, the 19-year-old son of former England coach Peter Moores.
Whoever he selects, Newell is conscious of the need for immediate improvement.
“We’re in a mess in the Championship,” he admitted.
“We’ve got to try and get out of the bottom two.
“This is a really big game, and I’m not sure where the pressure sits because they’re trying to get to the top and we’re obviously trying to get off the bottom.
“We’ve got to find a way of winning games.”

Yorkshire v Nottinghamshire: Yorkshire lookint to seize the moment in Championship title bid


THE NatWest T20 Blast is all done and dusted.


The age-old adage goes something like this: the fastest horse wins the Guineas, the luckiest horse wins the Derby, and the best horse wins the St Leger.
Sadly, that isn’t the case in this day and age. Breeding operations place more emphasis and value on speed than the kind of stamina attributes required to win Doncaster’s historic race. A Champion Stakes or the Arc are more likely to be on the agenda of the top 10f and 12f 3yos, rather than a tilt at the 14f Classic. So there is little chance of revisiting the days when Guineas, Derby or Oaks winners in the mould of Oh So Sharp (1985), Reference Point (1987) and User Friendly (1992) landed the spoils.
However, the Ladbrokes St Leger is still a big deal. It is still the jewel in the crown of a four-day festival ranked among the best in the country. One that will attract more than 65,000 enthusiastic racegoers to Town Moor next week and equate to a £25 million shot in the arm for the Doncaster economy.
It might have become fashionable to knock the race in some snooty quarters. But Leger Day is a day out beyond compare for the many doyens of Donny. And let’s face it, the race is still a Classic, for heaven’s sake. The oldest too, dating back to 1776, and one that still forms the last leg of a Triple Crown, as revered as it elusive.
Who can forget the fervent anticipation of four years ago when the crowds flocked to witness Camelot’s bid to become the first horse since Nijinsky way back in 1970 to land the Guineas/Derby/Leger hat-trick? And equally the burst-balloon-type deflation of Aidan O’Brien’s colt failing.
Who can forget either the high drama of just 12 months ago when the winner, Simple Verse, was controversially disqualified on the day, only to win the race back on appeal, leaving O’Brien, trainer of the runner-up-come-winner-come runner-up, Bondi Beach, with more heartache?
Oh yes, the St Leger continues to give, make no mistake about that. So what might the race have in store this time round?
Not surprisingly, it again revolves around O’Brien, the best trainer in the business. Notwithstanding his disappointments of 2012 and 2015, he has saddled four winners since 2001 when Milan strode to probably the most impressive victory I have seen of the great race. And a week on Saturday, he will send out the red-hot favourite, IDAHO, third in the Derby and winner of York’s Great Voltigeur Stakes, one of the main trials for the Doncaster showpiece.
A class act, the son of Galileo is almost sure to win if he stays the 14f trip. But his pedigree, his style of running and the patient way he is generally ridden instil sufficient doubts to suggest you should cast your net in search of better value.
There is still time for supplementary entries to throw a spanner in the works. But at present, Idaho’s chief rival in the market is MUNTAHAA, trained by another successful patron of the race, John Gosden, who has fielded three winners since 2006. Another not exactly bred to relish the Doncaster distance, he has made rapid improvement this term, culminating in a taking pillar-to-post triumph over 13f at Chester two weeks ago. It was only a Listed handicap, but the son of Dansili had to defy a mammoth mark of 108 against older, more seasoned rivals and also the tight turns of a track far from sure to suit such a big, long-striding colt. He’s a player.
Two horses who were behind Idaho at Epsom, RED VERDON and ALGOMETER, might well get closer faced with an extra 2f, and don’t rule out the favourite’s own stablemate, HOUSESOFPARLIAMENT, reversing Voltigeur placings. He is guaranteed to stay and will relish the galloping expanse of Town Moor. Similar comments apply to a third O’Brien contender, Royal Ascot winner SWORD FIGHTER, while ORMITO is no mug and VENTURA STORM would have to be considered if the ground turned on the Soft side.
It’s a head-scratcher that makes punters grateful the Leger Festival is not all about the main event. Classy, competitive racing abounds on all four days, while the Leger Legends contest on the opening day, featuring past jockeys, continues to delight the crowds and raise valuable money for racing charities in equal measure. Last year, it was won by Tony McCoy no less. This year, two more ex-champions, Richard Hughes and Joseph O’Brien, Aidan’s son, are in the line-up.
Day two on the Thursday is DFS Ladies’ Day, highlighted, appropriately, by a couple of Group races for fillies, the Park Hill Stakes, where Sir Michael Stoute’s ABINGDON will be primed to continue her progression, and the Sceptre Stakes, which has been earmarked by Charlie Hills for his lightly-raced 3yo, JADAAYIL.
The historic Doncaster Cup for stayers is the star attraction on the Friday when PALLASATOR will be a warm fancy to repeat his 2015 success. Vying for the limelight are three crack 2yo contests, including the Flying Scotsman Stakes won so spectacularly by the mighty Frankel six years ago. The 5f Flying Childers Stakes could throw up a thrilling duel between the unbeaten filly MRS DANVERS and Mark Johnston’s YALTA, while the Mallard Handicap on the same day might be a target for Roger Varian’s MONOTYPE.
The supporting card on Leger Day itself includes the Champagne Stakes, one of the leading juvenile heats of the season, in which RIVET and PEACE ENVOY would be interesting, and the 7f Park Stakes, which might yield as striking a winner as last year with NEMORALIA aiming to follow in the footsteps of Limato.
I’m hoping too that there might be openings over the four days for ANOTHER TOUCH, HAGGLE, EL VIP and CARTMELL CLEAVE. If not, best of luck in finding a few winners of your own.
Spectacular autumn schedule ensures the Flat season no longer fizzles out
Autumn is fast approcahing, but gone are the days when the Flat season fizzled out during September and October. On the contrary, next week’s Ladbrokes St Leger Festival at Doncaster is followed by a veritable feast of action across the world to wrap up what has been another compelling campaign on the level. Newmarket’s under-rated three-day Cambridgeshire meeting is swiftly followed by a sensational Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe day in France. Back to Newmarket it is for the two day Future Champions extravaganza. On to Ascot next for the Qipco Champions Day finale, and we haven’t even mentioned the global giants of the Breeders’ Cup in the USA and the Melbourne Cup in Australia. I love Jumps racing as much as the average racing Joe, but I couldn’t even have a National Hunt horse on my mind until late October at the earliest.
Have you got something to share on the story? Were you there? What do you think? - Send your pictures, videos or story and we'll publish the best × Continue the story It’s the oldest swinger in town -- but Doncaster’s St Leger is still a big deal Loading ... Add up to 3 photos or 1 videos to the story There's been a problem uploading your files. Please try again. By uploading your file you agree to our Terms and Conditions × Continue the story Sign in to contribute sign in shape the news in your area...


The age-old adage goes something like this: the fastest horse wins the Guineas, the luckiest horse wins the Derby, and the best horse wins the St Leger.


It’s the oldest swinger in town -- but Doncaster’s St Leger is still a big deal


The NFU’s largest ever consultation with farmers across Yorkshire and the North East will get underway today following the nation’s decision to leave the European Union.
Describing the challenge as a ‘once in a lifetime’ debate, NFU regional director for the North East Adam Bedford, said it was vital to reach farmers wherever they are and whatever they produce.
The meetings are held on: Thursday 25 August - At Burstwick Country Golf Club, Ellifoot Lane, Burstwick at 8am and Askham Bryan College, Askham Bryan, York, at 7pm.
Friday 26 August - At Bishop Burton College at 8am and The Forest and Vale, Malton Road, Pickering at 1pm.

NFU starts consultation over Brexit vote


The NFU’s largest ever consultation with farmers across Yorkshire and the North East will get underway today following the nation’s decision to leave the European Union.


Chart-toppers including B'witched, S Club stars, 911, The Hoosiers and Toploader will play at Summer Sounds concerts in Leeds on Saturday and you could see them for FREE.
We have 100 family tickets to be won - that's four tickets each - to either the day or night show of your choice in Millennium Square on August 6, 2016.
Check out the official web site for full details and how to buy tickets at www.summersounds.info
Worried About Ray and Goodbye Mr A hitmakers The Hoosiers, plus Dancing In The Moonlight stars Toploader and support Jamie Gilder will perform at the first concert, from 11.30am to 2pm.
B’Witched, famed for their number one hits C'est la Vie, Rollercoaster, To You I Belong, and Blame It On The Weatherman, head up the night slot, from 7.30pm to 10.30pm.
Sharing the later bill is S Club Party, featuring Jo and Bradley from S Club 7, who topped the charts with songs including Bring It All Back and Don't Stop Movin, along with A Little Bit More stars 911, Damage and Sweet Female Attitude.
B'witched
Both shows, which are standing only and presented by Livewire Events, are in a specially-created outdoor arena complete with licensed bar and catering, in the heart of the city.
WIN FAMILY TICKETS
Tickets are still available at £20 each - details below - but we have 50 family tickets for the day show and the same for the night concert to be won, in a free entry draw by email or Twitter.
But hurry - we are giving away five family tickets for each show every hour throughout the day from Friday, August 5, 10am.
The Hoosiers
Please note, only one entry per person, per show, allowed every hour.
HOW TO ENTER
For your chance to win four tickets for the day time concert, to see The Hoosiers, Toplader and Jamie Gilder, email your full name, age, address, mobile, landline and email details, with #JPCompSSDAY in the subject field to info@summersounds.info
Or follow @GW1962 and retweet any of this #JPCompSSDAY tweets.
Toploader
For your chance to win four tickets for the night time concert, to see B’Witched, S Club Party, 911, Damage and Sweet Female Attitude, email your full name, age, address, mobile, landline and email details, with #JPCompSSNIGHT in the subject field to info@summersounds.info.
Or follow @GW1962 and retweet any of this #JPCompSSNIGHT tweets.
Gate for the daytime show open at 10.30am, with performances from 11.30am. Gates for the evening concert open at 6.30pm, first band on 7.30pm.
Please only enter if you can definitely attend.
Winners will be notified throughout the day and entry will be via guest list names on the gate.
Each family of four winning party must include at least one supervising adult. transport not included. Johnston Press usual terms and conditions apply, see www.johnstonpress.co.uk/competition
* Guarantee your tickets - buy now at www.summersounds.info also see whatson.leeds.gov.uk , call 0113 376 0318 or buy in person from City Centre Box Office at The Leeds Town Hall (open 10am -6pm Monday to Saturday).
Have you got something to share on the story? Were you there? What do you think? - Send your pictures, videos or story and we'll publish the best × Continue the story WIN: 100 family tickets to Leeds Summer Sounds pop and rock shows Loading ... Add up to 3 photos or 1 videos to the story There's been a problem uploading your files. Please try again. By uploading your file you agree to our Terms and Conditions × Continue the story Sign in to contribute sign in shape the news in your area...


WIN: 100 family tickets to Leeds Summer Sounds pop and rock shows


JASON GILLESPIE believes there has been clear progress in Yorkshire’s one-day cricket this year, regardless of the result of tomorrow’s semi-final.
Yorkshire are aiming to reach their first Lord’s final since 2002 when they take on Surrey at Headingley (11am start).
THREAT: Surrey's Kumar Sangakkara
It is the second successive season that Yorkshire have reached the Royal London semis, with the club going down by eight wickets to eventual champions Gloucestershire at Headingley last year.
Surrey, last season’s runners-up, will pose another stiff test, but Gillespie has been encouraged by Yorkshire’s white-ball performances, with the club having also reached the semi-finals of the NatWest T20 Blast before losing to Durham.
“We’ve seen clear progress in white-ball cricket this year,” said Gillespie. “We’re not the finished article, but we’ve definitely seen improvements overall in both of the comps.
“We should have chased down the runs against Durham in the T20 semi, even though Mark Wood bowled very well against us.
“But that’s gone now, and I’m pleased overall with how the lads have gone about their work in one-day cricket.”
To get past Surrey, Yorkshire must overcome a semi-final hoodoo in List A cricket. Their defeat to Gloucestershire last season was their 16th in 19 one-day cup semis.
“That stat isn’t in our minds,” said Gillespie. “It hasn’t even been discussed. Sunday is a new day, and the fact is that we’ve played some good cricket in the 50-over comp.
“We know Surrey are a quality team and that people will see them as favourites, which is okay with us.
“We just need to go out there and play the best cricket we can and focus on that.”
On paper, the biggest danger to Yorkshire is Kumar Sangakkara, the former Sri Lanka batsman/wicketkeeper. Sangakkara, 38, scored an unbeaten 130 to help Surrey to a dramatic one-wicket win off the last ball of their quarter-final at Northants.
“Sangakkara is clearly an extremely dangerous player,” said Gillespie, whose side booked their semi-final place with an 11-run win over Kent at Canterbury.
“He has a proven track record, and he is capable of winning games single-handed.
“At the same time, we will do our homework against him and encourage our bowlers and everyone to do their research.
“Phil Dicks (the Yorkshire analyst) puts a lot of stuff together, and the players have iPads where they can look at all the relevant footage – ie, where Sangakkara scores his runs, his wagon wheels, and potentially where he could be vulnerable, which is what we do with all our opponents.”
Yorkshire’s attention to detail in this regard has increased markedly in recent times.
Dicks is an important member of the backroom operation, equipping players with all the necessary stats and info.
“Phil has been brilliant,” said Gillespie. “He’s an important cog in the support staff at Yorkshire.
Yorkshire (from): Ballance, Bresnan, Brooks, Carver, Coad, Hodd, Leaning, Lees (capt), Lyth, Patterson, Rafiq, Rhodes, Waite.

Yorkshire v Surrey: White-ball progress gives Jason Gillespie grounds for optimism as prize of Lord’s final awaits


JASON GILLESPIE believes there has been clear progress in Yorkshire’s one-day cricket this year, regardless of the result of tomorrow’s semi-final.


THERE is a fine line between wanting Yorkshire to do well but not wanting them to do so well that it cuts short a visit to Scarborough.
Such concerns must have crossed the minds of the Yorkshire crowd yesterday when the hosts were busy ripping through the Notts’ batting line-up with the ease of piranhas devouring their victims.
But after dismissing Notts for 94 on the stroke of lunch, after they had started day two on 38-2 in reply to their own first-innings 282, Yorkshire chose not to enforce the follow-on despite a lead of 188, thereby ensuring that the game could not be over inside two days, which had seemed eminently plausible.
As owners of local guest houses and hostelries no doubt turned cartwheels of joy, so too did those Yorkshire members who adore it at North Marine Road, with 84 per cent of them having voted in a recent survey conducted by the club to retain two Championship games there from next season.
With Yorkshire having to take one match away from Headingley or Scarborough due to changes to the fixture list, it can be taken as read that the decision will come down in the seaside town’s favour, but that is not to say that many of those Scarborough devotees were not a little baffled as to why Yorkshire – their bowlers fresh and their opponents fragile – opted to increase their lead in glorious sunshine.
It is the modern way, of course, not to enforce, and it is unlikely to make a jot of difference to the result, with Yorkshire set to close the gap to five points on leaders Middlesex with a win here, and Notts looking every inch like relegation material.
Yorkshire followed up with 200-4 in 61 overs in their second innings, Gary Ballance, the captain, scoring an unbeaten 75 to stretch the lead to a lofty 388.
Even with dodgy weather forecast today, Yorkshire’s fourth Championship victory of the season would seem as much of a formality as high and low tide.
Regardless of the question as to whether to enforce, that Yorkshire were even in a position to do so was tribute to a rousing recovery from 51-6 on day one.
Magnificent contributions from Andrew Hodd, Azeem Rafiq and Jack Brooks were mainly responsible for a revival completed by Yorkshire’s four-pronged pace attack of Brooks, Ryan Sidebottom, Tim Bresnan and Steve Patterson, who needed just 25.5 overs on the second morning to winkle out the last eight wickets.
The tone was set – as it so often is – by the venerable Sidebottom, who belied his 38 years with a splendid exhibition of swing bowling from the Peasholm Park end to take 3-5 in 12 balls and reduce Notts to 52-5.
Michael Lumb, the former Yorkshire batsman, was drawn forward and caught behind by one that shaped away; Steven Mullaney was lbw playing across the line; and Samit Patel was caught upper-cutting high to Bresnan at first slip.
Sidebottom would have had a fourth wicket with the score on 59 but Bresnan dropped a low chance at first slip, with Brendan Taylor not then off the mark.
But it was only a temporary setback for a Yorkshire side who made equally light work of the mid-to-lower order.
Chris Read miscued an attempted pull off Brooks to cover; Brett Hutton edged Brooks low to Adam Lyth at second slip; Taylor’s luck finally ran out when he played on an attempted drive off Patterson; Luke Wood flashed in foolhardy fashion at Bresnan and was caught behind, and an innings caked in collective embarrassment ended when Luke Fletcher helped Bresnan to Jack Leaning at third slip.
That Yorkshire would bat again was betrayed by the sight of openers Lyth and Alex Lees sprinting off the ground to strap on their pads, and they safely negotiated the one over that remained before lunch.
After the break, the cricket grew steadily soporific as the 5,000 crowd watched Yorkshire increase their lead in the way of builders systematically adding bricks to a house.
Lees added 30 bricks before he was lbw to Hutton, ending a first-wicket stand of 72, and Lyth followed shortly after for 41, caught and bowled by Wood off a leading edge.
Lehmann and Ballance added 61 in 22 overs before Lehmann slogged Samit Patel straight up in the air to Wood at mid-on.
Ballance, dropped on 20 when he pulled Fletcher to a diving Tom Moores at mid-wicket, advanced to a 113-ball half-century that included eight fours, and Leaning helped him add 57 before being stumped.
Play was halted seven overs early due to bad light with swooping seagulls ready to reclaim the outfield once the cricketers had left for the evening.

Yorkshire v Notts: Seaside air leaves Gary Ballance in mood to play on


THERE is a fine line between wanting Yorkshire to do well but not wanting them to do so well that it cuts short a visit to Scarborough.


AFTER five successful years at the helm, Yorkshire’s first-team coach, Jason Gillespie, this week revealed he would be leaving the club at the end of this season.
During his time at Headingley, he has overseen a period of tremendous success for the club, inheriting a team that had been relegated to Division Two of the County Championship before transforming them into an outfit capable of earning promotion back to the top tier at the first time of asking.
HHEADING HOME: Yorkshire first-team coach, Jason Gillespie. Picture: Simon Hulme
After finishing second in their first year back in Division One - pipped to the title they hadn’t won since in 2001 by Durham – they returned to the top of the tree two years in succession.
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Now, with four games remaining Yorkshire are still well-placed to make it three titles in a row and send Gillespie back home to South Australia on a perfect high.
The YP’s Chris Waters joins host Phil Harrison to discuss Gillespie’s departure, as well as reflecting on his time at the club and how his exit on Yorkshire CCC will impact on the club going forward.

CricketTalk: End of an era as Jason Gillespie prepares to exit Yorkshire CCC


AFTER five successful years at the helm, Yorkshire’s first-team coach, Jason Gillespie, this week revealed he would be leaving the club at the end of this season.


Cloughton took a step closer to promotion to the Readers Beckett League Premier Division with a 12-run win at champions Settrington.
A stunning unbeaten century from Ben Luntley laid the foundations for Cloughton's 188-6 in their rain-reduced 40 overs, the in-form batsman striking a brilliant 114 not out, Jack Hakings weighing in with 38, while Eddie Rounthwaite snapped up 4-43 from his 11 overs.
George Rounthwaite then smacked 46, but top bowling from Gary Jordan (4-47) saw Settrington all out for 176 with eight balls remaining.
Grindale's relegation was confirmed by their six-wicket loss at hme to Brompton, Ross Triffit the star man for the visitors, taking 6-34 to skittle the strugglers for just 74.
Triffit (21) and Karl Theobald (24) then made sure of the 18-point win.
Wykeham cruised to an eight-wicket win at Thornton Dale, Gareth Barnard bagging 4-13 as the hosts slipped to 115 despite a gritty 41 from Dave Scott.
In-form James Bryant then smashed 68 to wrap up the comfortable win.
The game between hosts Wold Newton and Sherburn was evenly-balanced when the heavens opened to halt play with the home side on 76-2 chasing Sherburn's 169 all out, in which Ben Simpson scored a cracking 70.
Cayton 2nds boosted their chances of beating the drop as they moved within two points of third-from-bottom Wold Newton thanks to a stunning eight-wicket win at Staxton 2nds, also placing a massive dent in the latter's promotion hopes.
A swift 52 not out looked to have steered Staxton to an impressive 172-7, but fine batting from Cayton captain Simon Glave and Dave Walker, who hit 83 not out and 63 not out respectively, saw the visitors to a vital victory.
Staithes continued their march to the Premier Division title with a 14th successive win, easing past visitors Filey by 60 runs.
The hosts made it to 221-6 in a match reduced to 37 overs a side due the wet weather, Simon Bowes hammered 57 Chris Morrison struck 48 and Richard Hegarty 47 as the leaders reigned supreme.
David Brannan's 68 gave Filey hope but three wickets from Morrison and 4-41 from Tom Steyert saw the Clarence Drive side dismissed for 161.
Staithes head to second-placed Staxton next weekend knowing a win will secure their third title with a week to spare.
Staxton were made to work hard for their seven-run win at relegation-battling Ebberston.
Left-handed batsman Dave Morris led the way for the visitors with a fine 78 in his side's 188-8, Reece Milner taking 3-34 for the hosts.
Ebberston's Ben Lockey (54) and Eddie Craggs (37) gave Ebberston a fighting chance but 4-33 from off-spinner Linden Gray pegged the hosts back to 181-0 and they remain in the relegation zone.
Gregg Chadwick smashed an excellent 108 as Seamer thrashed visitors Scalby by 131 runs.
Anthony Jenkinson added 50 and Craig Baker 43 as the hosts amassed 257-5, Connor Carson the top Scalby bowler with 3-47.
A stunning spell of 6-31 from Adam Morris and 3-44 from fellow pace bowler Liam Bennett then saw Scalby skittled for 126.
Flixton 2nds boosted their battle against the drop with a two-wicket win at Forge Valley.
The visitors won the toss and opted to bowl and this seemed a poor choice as opener Tom Brough smacked a rapid 43, Nishadh P Wijesinghe 41 and Joe Bradshaw 25.
Flixton refused to buckle and wickets began to fall with Matt Mason taking a superb 6-43 and Connor Stephenson claiming 4-47 as Valley sank to 170 all out in 35.5 overs.
Ehtesham took 4-37 in Flixton’s reply to keep Valley in touch, but 27 from Stephenson and an unbeaten 34 from skipper Mark Shackley saw his team home with 2.4 overs remaining.
Charlie Allott's magnificent century helped Nawton Grange earn a 104-run win at Heslerton.
The batsman smashed seven sixes and eight fours as he made his way to 103 in their 218-8, Paul Kinghorn and Andy Slaughter bagging three wickets apiece for the hosts.
Paul Bowes, who struck nine forus and a couple of sixes in his 70, was the only batsman to shine as his side sank to 114 in reply in the face of fierce bowling from Nick Thornicroft (3-19) and Nathan Marwood (3-31).
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Cloughton took a step closer to promotion to the Readers Beckett League Premier Division with a 12-run win at champions Settrington.


BECKETT LEAGUE: Luntley ton lifts Cloughton premier promotion bid


Land, property and business consultancy George F White has appointed a new equity partner in a huge recruitment move for the firm.
Mike Young (FRICS FIQ) joins the firm with over 21 years’ experience as a chartered surveyor.
During his illustrious career, Mike has developed a specialist range of expertise through the management and development of private and public owned minerals & waste property estates.
This includes associated office, industrial, residential and agricultural property with regard to sustainable business plan objectives and maximising value.
Mike’s specialist expertise includes contract negotiation, planning & environmental assessment, strategic site appraisal & evaluation, estate management and compulsory purchase & compensation.
Robyn Peat, managing partner at George F White said: “We are thrilled to welcome Mike as a Partner in the business. It’s a great coup to recruit a man of Mike’s niche talent, leadership qualities and industry expertise.
“His experience, especially in the land and mineral resources field, will strengthen our delivery in this growing service area and enable us to expand our client base in this sector nationally.”
Mike said: “My new position is a dual role as Equity Partner and Head of Commercial Property. From a leadership perspective as a Partner, a key focus will be developing the regional strategy.
As Head of Northumberland and Borders, I will be working closely with all business teams, to understand their view points and then ensure my leadership style compliments this. I believe George F White should be the first choice of property consultancy for both employees and clients alike. As Head of Commercial Property, I will be focused on business related property including minerals, waste and recycling, industrial and manufacturing, office, retail and distribution and logistics.
“I’m looking forward to working closely with our existing commercial property clients while developing new clients in this key area of growth. It’s a great time to join the company.”

New equity partner joins land consultancy George F White


Land, property and business consultancy George F White has appointed a new equity partner in a huge recruitment move for the firm.


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Yorkshire's Olympic cycling superstar Ed Clancy hopes to equal Sir Bradley Wiggins' total of five gold medals.
The 31-year-old, Barnsley born and Huddersfield raised, is already the county's most decorated athlete in Olympic history after helping to defend the men's team pursuit title from Beijing and London, picking up his third gold in Rio.
360 PHOTO: Look around the Rio Velodrome as Team GB race for gold in our amazing 360 photograph - CLICK HERE
After their win, in a video chat with Clancy at Team GB in the Olympic Village - watch it above - he told how he is now thinking four years ahead to what could be his own fairytale ending in Tokyo.
There he believes he could end up with two more Olympic golds.
That would put him level with Wiggins, aged 36, who ends his career as the most decorated British Olympic athlete with five golds, a silver and two bronzes to surpass fellow cyclist Sir Chris Hoy's tally of six golds and a silver..
Clancy, the only ever present member of the pursuit team to have won gold in the most recent three Olympics, said:: "I'm 31 now and I've got three golds. I'm going to do Tokyo, at least that's the plan.
Ed Clancy wins his third Olympic gold medal in Rio
"So who knows, I might pick up another one; two if I'm really lucky.
"In reality it's going to be very, very hard to match Sir Brad, but that's nothing to be ashamed of. He's a brilliant guy. He's been a real addition to this team. Brad's retired now but I'm grateful I've gone through two Olympics with him."
He paid tribute to National Lottery funding, distributed by UK Sport, which has given the financial support to take him and Team GB up the medals league table.
Clancy said: "My whole career started with them really. I was brought in through the talent team - British Cycling it was called back in the day and it's called Go Ride now.
Five gold medals for retiring Team GB cycling legend Sir Bradley Wiggins.
"Keep buying Lottery tickets. It's not just me that benefits from this.Without the funding, the input we've had from the Lottery and the Government we wouldn't be here."
The Yorkshireman was the beating heart of Rio's four man pursuit team, also featuring Owain Doull and Steven Burke, which saw Wiggins retire after their dramatic world record victory over Australia,
In a stand-out moment of an amazing Games for Team GB they came from behind in the pursuit final to beat the Aussies by almost a second with barely 500m of the 4,000m contest to go.
They set a new world record in the heat and broke it once again in the final, with a time of 3:50.265, in Rio's Olympic Park.
Going for gold in Rio - the GB Men's Pursuit Team
But it was against all the odds.The team failed at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow and they didn't make the podium at last year’s world championships
Clancy was suffering from his own problems, slipping a disc in his back after a training session - simply picking his bag up in the changing room. Surgery followed, forcing him to miss the European championships.
He only turned it around in recent weeks, with reports from the team’s training base in Wales that they were going well after smashing the world record in a practice session. A nd he said it felt like the best gold yet.
"Yes, I'm over the moon," he said.
"It's been a difficult time between London Olympics and getting here in 2016, not just in terms of motivation but getting over injuries and what not.
"There is an old sayting, the tougher the fight the sweeter the victory and it's so true. I've never had to work so hard for this one.
"I had to get over a back surgery in December and scrape into the team in the World Championships, just to qualify your place. It's been a tough one but crossing that line ahead of the Aussies made it all so worthwhile.
"In a typical Team Pursuit the most efficient way to get from A to B is to set off hard, reach a cruising speed which you can only just hang on to, however the problem is if you ride like that in a final the other team can just set off like maniacs, get in your slip stream and then it's very hard to get rid of them.
"So both us and the Aussies were well over world record pace for the first two or three kilometers, way over it. There was no schedule really, We went flat out from the gun. I'm guessing they just pushed it a little bit too much, too soon.
"That's pursuiting. It's easy to go fast for the first three kilometers. You've got to cross the line after four kilometers.
"I guess we just paced it that little bit better than the Aussies and came better in the last two laps.
"It's like a house of cards, as soon as you take one guy out of the equation all comes crumbling down eventually. It might take one, two, three laps...but by the time that guy's got to do his turn again, they had nothing to give so it was good for us."
Have you got something to share on the story? Were you there? What do you think? - Send your pictures, videos or story and we'll publish the best × Continue the story RIO VIDEO & 360 PHOTO: Yorkshire's Ed Clancy gears up to equal Sir Bradley Wiggins' five Olympic golds Loading ... Add up to 3 photos or 1 videos to the story There's been a problem uploading your files. Please try again. By uploading your file you agree to our Terms and Conditions × Continue the story Sign in to contribute sign in shape the news in your area...


RIO VIDEO & 360 PHOTO: Yorkshire's Ed Clancy gears up to equal Sir Bradley Wiggins' five Olympic golds


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Yorkshire's latest Radio 1 stars The Sherlocks had a muddy great time at Leeds Festival - they drew a crowd of more than 6,000 fans then camped out with them.
The Sheffield indie four piece turned down a five star hotel and proved they are a real band of the people.
After packing out the Festival Republic stage they decided to pitched a tent in one of the muddy camp sites.
Frontan Kiaran Crook, aged 20, revealed: "We played our set then decided to camp through the night. We had an option to go into a five star hotel, with a jacuzzi and everything, but we decided to camp.
"We just love it."
He then joked: "We ended up camping next to the Red Hot Chili Peppers- I could hear Anthony snoring.
"But no, seriously, we love it. We love a bit of mud. We just thought, we might as well have the full festival experience."
Melvin Benn, Reading and Leeds Festival boss, said: "I didn't know The Sherlocks went and pitched up in the camp site. It doesn't surprise me. It's what my kids do. They want to be in the public camp site. Anybody who thinks the VIP area is the place to be, I can tell you it's a bit more boring."
Other Yorkshire bands who played at Leeds over the weekend included Sheffield's The Wired, Liberty Ship, Bang Bang Romeo, Leeds band Dusk, Fighting Caravans, York based Faux Pas and many more.
The Sherlocks, also featuring Kiaran's brother, drummer Brandon, 23, guitarist Josh Davidson, 22, and his brother and bassist Andy, 17, recently played the biggest music festival in the world, SXSW in Austin, Texas.
The Sherlocks played to over 6,000 people then camped out with fans in muddy fields at Leeds Festival.
They also played at Reading Festival at the weekend but said Leeds, their Yorkshire homecoming, was the highlight of their year.
Kiaran added: "Leeds Festival is really important to us. It's given us a chance to pick up new fans. We had a blast. The tent was packed. It exceeded what we thought it would be.We're going on tour next month, starting in Brighton and finishing in Stockton, with a sold out gig in Leeds.
"It would be nice to do the NME/Radio 1 stage next year, I think that's where we are heading."
Brandon added: "We are at home when playing Leeds festival. Now we need to get an album out while we've got momentum behind us."
The Sherlocks, who will record their debut album later this year, begin a 16-date UK headline tour later this week, including a sold out show at The Wardrobe in Leeds, on Tuesday, September 20.
The Sherlocks at Leeds Festival
For full dates and tickets visit thesherlocksmusic.co.uk
The Sherlocks on stage at Leeds Festival
Reading and Leeds Festival boss Melvin Benn
Have you got something to share on the story? Were you there? What do you think? - Send your pictures, videos or story and we'll publish the best × Continue the story VIDEO: Sheffield's The Sherlocks camp in mud with fans after wowing Leeds Festival Loading ... Add up to 3 photos or 1 videos to the story There's been a problem uploading your files. Please try again. By uploading your file you agree to our Terms and Conditions × Continue the story Sign in to contribute sign in shape the news in your area...


VIDEO: Sheffield's The Sherlocks camp in mud with fans after wowing Leeds Festival


MARTYN MOXON believes the pain of Yorkshire’s defeat in the final of the 2012 T20 competition can help spur them on to go one better this time.
Yorkshire lost by 10 runs to Hampshire in the final at Cardiff on their only previous appearance at Finals Day.
Yorkshire's Azeem Rafiq
They have waited a long time to erase the memory of that setback, and director of cricket Moxon feels it will drive the players on at Edgbaston today.
“It was tough losing that final, and it whetted the appetite to try and win the tournament in the future,” said Moxon.
READ MORE - David Willey is aiming to give Yorkshire the edge
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READ MORE - Chris Waters: Leg-spinner Adil Rashid in danger of becoming a wasted talent
“Clearly it’s taken longer than we would have liked to get back there, and I think it’s a great opportunity for us, given the team that we’ve got on paper, to go one step further and hopefully win the competition.
“With our England players available, we’ve got a very good team, but clearly it’s about what happens on the day.
“T20, in particular, is all about how you perform on the day, and there’s four good teams involved, each of which is capable of winning it.”
Yorkshire take on Durham in the second semi-final at 2.30pm. Notts and Northants meet in the first semi at 11am, with the final taking place at 6.45pm.
“Durham are a very good team,” said Moxon.
“They’ve got match-winners in the likes of Ben Stokes and Mark Wood.
“We’ve got to be at our very best and, if we are, we can certainly beat them and hopefully go all the way and win the thing.
“The T20 is something we haven’t won before, so it’s important to us, and it would be nice to get that monkey off our backs.”
That Yorkshire even have a chance of erasing the memory of 2012 is a minor miracle given that they were bottom of the North Group at the halfway stage.
Yorkshire won only one of their opening seven games before winning six of their last seven to reach the quarter-finals.
“T20 is all about finding a method and I think that we’ve found it,” said Moxon.
“It’s taken hard work and, to a certain extent, failure for us to find it, because clearly the things that we were doing at the start of the competition weren’t working.
“From a batting point of view, we’ve worked on the areas in which we’re trying to strike the ball. They’re much better areas now.
“We’d found ourselves getting into trouble by playing too square of the wicket, so, as a consequence, we are hitting the ball a lot straighter now.
“It’s probably taken too long to change and rectify, but that’s been the biggest thing as far as the batting is concerned.
“Bowling-wise, having the skills that are required, the change-ups, and having the ability to bowl the change-ups (different deliveries) that are needed at various times in the innings, we’ve got better at that as well.
“As for our fielding, I think that’s been outstanding generally.”
Moxon was particularly pleased with Yorkshire’s fielding when Glamorgan were clinically beaten by 90 runs in the quarter-final in Cardiff.
David Willey laid the platform with a swashbuckling 79, proving again why Yorkshire were so keen to sign him last winter to improve their white-ball cricket, and the bowlers did the rest in a fine team performance.
“We brought our A-game to the quarter-final,” said Moxon.
“We were outstanding in the field, as good as you can get, and the ruthless way we went about our business was superb.
“David Willey set the tone with the bat, and we signed him precisely because we wanted to improve our one-day form immediately.
“Long-term he can have an impact in red-ball cricket too, but he’s made a big difference to our T20 side.”
Another player who has made a big difference is Azeem Rafiq, the off-spinner who returned to the club in mid-season after almost two years out of the professional game.
It is no coincidence that Yorkshire’s T20 resurgence can be traced back to Rafiq’s arrival.
“It has been a team effort to get to Finals Day, but Rafiq has done exceptionally well and he’s a great competitor,” said Moxon.
“He creates a buzz in the field as well as bringing his bowling skill, and he’s been a big factor in our improvement.
“Bottom line is, we’ve worked really hard to try to find the right method in T20.
“There’s been a lot of frustrations along the way, a lot of disappointments, and hopefully the lads can get some silverware now to show for their hard work.”
Twenty20 Finals Day build-up: Page 7

T20 Finals Day: Yorkshire inspired by their past failures


MARTYN MOXON believes the pain of Yorkshire’s defeat in the final of the 2012 T20 competition can help spur them on to go one better this time.


IT WAS just fantastic for us to win at Scarborough this week and I thought our bowling display was as good as I have seen.
Personally, it was obviously frustrating not being involved after the good work I had done at Old Trafford, I had started to feel like my old self back at the crease. But I was proud as punch for the lads at Scarborough, they put in a real performance against Nottinghamshire after being 60-6 on the first morning and to turn it around on a similar fashion that we did, it followed a similar path to the Durham game at Scarborough last year.
We actually mentioned it on the first morning and last year, we were 90-9 on the first morning and ended up winning in three days and we came through again.
We have played some good cricket at Scarborough over the years and I can only remember losing a couple of games in seven or eight years. We were outstanding again and are getting to the business end of the season and it is very tight at the top of the league.
Middlesex are playing some good cricket. But we have the experience of coming through what we have done for the last few years and if we keep the pressure on and keep doing what we do, we can get over the line and make it three in a row. I am confident that we can do it.
Azeem Rafiq and Andrew Hodd came good with the bat for us when we were in trouble. Hoddy has had a bit of stick throughout the season about his batting from a number of supporters and he came in and showed what he is about and rolled his sleeves up and stuck his chest out.
It is not always about stats; it is about making that match-winning contribution and that is exactly what he did. To get 95, in the circumstances, helps keep the pressure on, given how close the league table is.
Rafiq also showed his prowess. He has got a first-class hundred and I think he made that on debut and I also remember playing a game at Worcester around 2008 and he got a hundred there, but probably never kicked on from that.
It is his way to be aggressive and the situation suited him and probably the best thing to do was attack and that is what he did and it came off.
The bowlers finished it off and it was pleasing to see how ruthless we were. I have previously spoken in this column about missed opportunities in games and not being able to clean the tail up. But our bowlers were outstanding throughout and bowled the right lines and lengths which you need to do at Scarborough.
To be fair, the ‘blotter’ that came from Headingley did its job on the ground. I think it set off a few days ago and it was really slow on the A64, but we managed to get it to Scarborough!
Obviously, it was frustrating to miss out with a back injury. It happened last Saturday when I was in the gym in the morning and just twinged it when I was squatting. I was okay, but then I came and had a bit of treatment from the physio and he treated to loosen it off and it actually made it worse and it locked up and I couldn’t move on Monday.
I had a fitness test on Tuesday morning. I probably could have got through the game if it was just about batting, but I couldn’t have really moved in the field and would have been letting the lads down if I had tried to get through. It has improved a lot since and had we started the game yesterday, then I would have been good to go, really. But unless there is a blip over the weekend, I will be ready for the game at Hampshire next week.
There was at least good news with David Willey’s injury. Looking at it on Saturday night after the Twenty20, I thought he had bust his hand with the size of it and everything. It added up to him breaking his hand and being out for the rest of the season.
It is added bonus that he isn’t and fingers crossed that we can get him back to tomorrow’s semi-final.

Andrew Gale: Outstanding display against Notts left me as proud as punch


IT WAS just fantastic for us to win at Scarborough this week and I thought our bowling display was as good as I have seen.


The latest gossip and rumours from the newspapers and online: Saturday August 20
Arsenal have reached an agreement with Sporting over a season-long loan deal for JOEL CAMPBELL, according to the Daily Express.
The Daily Mirror reports that Manchester City are set to carry on their summer spending with a £10million deal for Dinamo Zagreb teenager ANTE CORIC.
Left-back TYLER BLACKETT is not part of Jose Mourinho's plans and will be allowed to join Reading, writes The Sun. The Royals are managed by former United defender Jaap Stam.
JUAN CUADRADO looks to be on his way out of Chelsea again after his agent flew to London to arrange a move back to Juventus, reports the Evening Standard.
The Independent reports that Chelsea could then move for Portuguese goalkeeper EDUARDO, the 33-year-old who is currently with Dinamo Zagreb.


The latest gossip and rumours from the newspapers and online: Saturday August 20


On Monday I drove up through the Howardian Hills to visit a lovely couple in the village of Hovingham, who had very generously offered me some ties for my craft work.
Hovingham is a beautiful and charming village surrounded by glorious countryside, which is a myriad of colours at the moment.
As I drove I was delighted by swathes of purple rosebay willowherb, contrasted by the rich golden colour of the ripe corn, which in turn was scattered by the ruby red of poppies and with a backdrop of lush green hedges and trees.
Then there is the brilliant yellow of ragwort beside the roads.
This maybe a dangerous pest, so far as livestock is concerned, but it is striking.
There are the wonderful hues of nature wherever you look.
Having met the couple and their two delightful dogs I came back through Malton, where I stopped and did a bit of shopping and then the next day I went over to Ripley Castle, where the Harrogate Talking Newspaper for the Blind is recorded. I occasionally contribute to this.
Having done my stint there, I drove back through Knaresborough, and passed the signs to Mother Shipton’s Cave, which I have never actually visited despite being a potholer for years and being fascinated by caves.
I drove up to the gates, paid my fee and set off on the magnificent wooded walk beside the River Nidd. The trees are astoundingly beautiful and there is every facility for families, with a fine playground.
The cave itself is interesting and I even made a wish at the wishing well.
The calcifying pool is fascinating as is the waterfall under it.
The whole experience was, for, me a real treat. I invested in the book of Mother Shipton’s Prophecies and it makes for very interesting reading.
Having indulged myself with such a treat, the next day I tackled clearing the garden and made a new bed.
Between dog walks this was the task for a couple of days.
On Friday I went over to Flockton, not far from Huddersfield, to collect some Zwartbles fleeces kindly offered to me by a lady and gentleman who have a smallholding there.
As I approached the area I was impressed by the magnificence of the Emley Moor Mast nearby.
I had a coffee and delicious cake with my hosts, made friends with their five dogs, including Rhodesian ridgebacks and a French Bulldog.
They showed me their sheep and I was able to admire their chickens – Rhode Island reds and some bantams – before being entranced by their Indian Runner ducks.
Having had a wonderful hour there, I left and decided to follow the sign for the National Mining Museum nearby.
It was, I decided, my week for treats and I pulled in and had a ride on the little train, went to an interesting show about the history of the Davy lamp, one of which I have an early example of.
I booked myself in for a trip underground and having handed over anything that was dangerous, like electronic items, I was provided with a helmet and light and a group of about 20 of us descended down into the coal mine.
Our guide, Dave, was really good and made it a very interesting tour filled with history and science.
The only thing that spoiled it for me was the way some of the children in the group behaved, flashing their lights into the eyes of everyone else and shouting and screeching while our guide was talking.
Once up on the surface I had a good stroll around the centre and I think it is a superb adventure for well-behaved children and a very reasonable price for a great day.
As I drove away and got on to the M1, the clutch on my car went and I was in trouble.
I managed to get off the motorway and found somewhere off the road to park and was rescued by the RAC, who sent a breakdown truck.
The driver, Josh, was such a nice young man and soon he was bringing me and my car home, and even dropped the car off at my garage.


On Monday I drove up through the Howardian Hills to visit a lovely couple in the village of Hovingham, who had very generously offered me some ties for my craft work.