By JMB
September 15 2006

Yorkshire cruised to victory with 38 balls remaining in the second Roses 20/20 victory over Lancashire in a week. Michael Lumb was chief destroyer with a superb 84 off only 49 balls. Freddie Flintoff had earlier shown that he is back to his best with a quickfire 47. In a match that meant so much Yorkshire triumphed with more than six overs of the match still to play.

Batting first on a perfect night for cricket at Headingley Lancashire scratched their way to only 131 for 9 despite Flintoff scoring 47 off 28 balls. Only one other Lancashire batsman passed 20.

Yorkshire's bowlers found a direction that has been lacking at times this season. Bresnan returned to the scene of his One Day embarassment with England and was a different bowler. He took 3 for only 24 from his four over spell and was ably supported by the two Yorkshire spinners, Dawson (3 - 24) and Lehmann (2-16 off his 4 overs!)

When Yorkshire came in to bat the result never looked in doubt with Lumb showing what a destructive player he can be when in good touch. He hit 13 fours and 3 sixes in his undefeated 84 (70 runs in boundaries) and the Lancashire bowlers wilted under the assault.

Yorkshire's performance on this seasons Twenty20 competition has been a distinct improvement on previous years and they can hopefully take that confidence into the rest of the domestic season.

Tonight's result came just in time to catapult Yorkshire ahead of Warwickshire (in the Midlands Group) on run rate and therefore seal qualification to the quarter finals.

In the quarter final tie Yorkshire will face Essex, at the County Ground, Chelmsford on 24th July.