Something has been missing from Headingley since 1968 - the sweet smell of success. But now at last, after thrashing Glamorgan by an innings and 112 runs before lunch today, Yorkshire can swagger once more - the County Championship is back where it belongs (barring mathematical miracles). And there are still two rounds to play. There was hard graft in this victory but it didn't shine through as Glamorgan helpfully catapulted themselves towards relegation. Richard Dawson, with a little help from Ryan Sidebottom and Craig White, bowled Glamorgan out for 223 and then there were centuries for White, Matthew Wood and captain David Byas as Yorkshire steamrollered their way to 580 for 9 declared. Firebrand ginger-whinger Kirby took four wickets in Glamorgan's second innings, but it was only apt that the wicket that won the Championship went to Darren Lehmann - Yorkshire's favourite Australian, notwithstanding Adam Gilchrist and his unfortunate Sunday declaration.

Yorkshire didn't start the season as favourites. That curse fell upon Surrey, champions in 1999 and 2000. But while Adam Hollioake lost the pieces to his jigsaw, Byas rolled a six every time. A four-wicket victory against Kent in the first match of the season was followed by success after success. The only Championship game they have lost all season was to Somerset back in early May.

Of course, it could never be entirely easy. There were mutterings from Darren Gough and then the ridiculous saga of the Headingley gates. But victory wouldn't have tasted quite so sweet without the sugar of controversy.

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