By JMB
September 15 2006

Anthony McGrath smashed a career-best 148 to give Yorkshire their first Pro40 victory, by 16 runs over Somerset at Taunton. Promoted to open the innings for the first time this season in one-day cricket, McGrath hit six sixes and 11 fours in his 120-ball innings. Yorkshire Phoenix ended with 284 for three after losing the toss. Craig White (53) and Darren Lehmann (74 not out) were the other main contributors.

In reply, Somerset had half-centuries from Neil Edwards (65), James Hildreth (53) and Wes Durston (62 not out), but were restricted to 268 for five. Skipper Cameron White made 34 on his farewell appearance. The Australian flies home on Tuesday for rest and treatment on a troublesome wrist injury after a memorable first summer in county cricket. His side made a spirited effort to reach their big target, and it took two tight overs from Deon Kruis in the closing stages to eliminate any doubt about the result.

McGrath and White soon had Somerset questioning their decision to let Yorkshire bat first as they compiled 93 by the end of the 15 overs of fielding restrictions. Two runs later, they had put together the highest opening stand for their county in one-day cricket this season. It had reached 118 in the 19th over when White skied left-arm spinner Arul Suppiah to Edwards at deep cover, having faced 52 balls and hit seven fours.

Lehmann and McGrath then embarked on a period of stability, which meant only 48 runs were added in 10 overs. But, crucially, no wickets were lost and the platform was there for a late assault. It came from 171 for one after 30 overs. McGrath opened up to reach his century off 105 balls, with two sixes and seven fours. He never gave a chance and batted with increasing authority and power to pass his previous best one-day score of 109.

Lehmann also blossomed from a watchful start and reached his half-century off 52 balls, with six fours. By the time the pair were separated in the 39th over, they had added 148 in 20 overs.

Having maintained a grip on the scoring rate for 30 overs, Somerset saw their last 10 go for 113 runs. Charl Willoughby conceded 61 from his eight, and Richard Johnson 59 from the same number. That was where the game was won and lost. Edwards, Hildreth and Durston all batted freely and produced some fine strokes, but the asking rate was always too much.

Yorkshire now have three points from four Pro40 games, while Somerset have only two from their four fixtures.