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McGrath displays bravery

Yorks (191-9) bt Hants (164) by 27 runs

Leaders Yorkshire, in desperate straits at 43 for five after being put in, owed their fifth win in a row to a brave and thrilling 75, off 102 balls, by Anthony McGrath and some thumping blows in the last four overs by Ryan Sidebottom. Then their bowlers, supported by razor-sharp fielding, excelled themselves in defence of a moderate score.

Yorkshire's troubled start was due to a combination of circumstances. They sought to establish their authority from the outset but Hampshire's bowlers got some assistance from movement off the seam.

McGrath came in at 31 for three and did not find a stable partner until Richard Blakey arrived to play securely for 15 overs while 45 were added. A run-out ended the stand, but then Gary Fellows and Gavin Hamilton dug in while McGrath produced some thunderous on-side shots that brought him eight fours and two sixes. Yorkshire were still vulnerable when McGrath fell in the 41st over, but Sidebottom, 22 not out, hit three fours in the last available over.

Hampshire's innings was challengingly poised when, at 85, Robin Smith was third out to a superb catch by Greg Blewett off Michael Vaughan, who then accounted for Will Kendall, Dmitri Mascarenhas and Shaun Udal.

John Stephenson, last out, put a respectable face on Hampshire's defeat with a volatile 42.