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Gough provides reason to cheer

Yorkshire (136-2) bt Hampshire (132-7) by 8 wkts

No one is blaming Darren Gough for England's World Cup demise, least of all the Yorkshire public, who warmly welcomed his swift return to the fold as the Phoenix maintained their 100 per cent National League record with ridiculous ease.

An athletic pick-up at third man was as well received as Gough's two wickets by a crowd swollen by around 1,600 guests of Yorkshire Electricity.

If they expected some high-voltage entertainment they had a long wait as Gough's presence galvanised his fellow seamers into a display of unwavering accuracy which throttled Hampshire.

Craig White compensated by taking 20 off an over from Simon Renshaw, including a six over point, on his way to 67 off 48 balls as Yorkshire swept home in 18.3 overs.

Ryan Sidebottom had four maidens in his first six overs and finished with 9-4-14-2, while Chris Silverwood took three of the wickets as the visitors staggered to 38 for five.

John Stephenson's 37 not out prevented further embarrassment, but without key all-rounder Dimitri Mascarenhas (back spasm) and the County Championship's leading wicket-taker, Alex Morris (shin injury), the only time Hampshire looked remotely threatening was when Greg Blewett fell to the third ball of Yorkshire's reply.

The Australian's disappointments continued when he dragged a ball from Nixon McLean on to his stumps, but White and David Byas had fifty up in the 11th over and the ensuing onslaught ensured a 6.05pm finish.