Tykes on a loser

9:20am Tuesday 15th July 2008

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Yorkshire had a bad day both on and off the field as their Twenty20 Cup appeal was rejected and they lost their LV County Championship match against Kent in Canterbury.

The ECB decided to uphold their decision to throw the club out of this year’s competition, ending their chance of playing in finals day and participating in the lucrative Champions League in India later this year.

On appeal, the club did gain acceptance the original punishment was “manifestly disproportionate to the offence committed”, but the two-point deduction which was handed out instead had the same effect – ending Yorkshire’s chances of a reprieve.

“I am disappointed and I think it’s been a mess from start to finish,” said director of cricket Martyn Moxon. “The ECB could have shown special dispensation – only they know why they haven’t.”

The decision to uphold the punishment at the hearing in Taunton ended a disappointing day all round for the White Rose, who had earlier lost by three wickets to Kent at Canterbury.

After setting the hosts only 139 for victory it was always going to be difficult, but the Yorkshire attack made sure Kent had to work hard in an enthralling 38 overs of cricket.

There was little evidence of any excitement early on though as, despite Matthew Hoggard and Adil Rashid picking up two wickets each, Kent reached lunch relatively unscathed at 101-4.

Then Rana Naved entered the scene and the Pakistan international, who has been out of County Championship action since May through injury, quickly made up for lost time.

He struck twice in his first over, including the wicket of the dangerous looking Martin van Jaarsveld for 41, as Kent suddenly stumbled to 102-6.

When the paceman also contentiously dismissed Azhar Mahmood with only six more runs on the board, Yorkshire sensed an unlikely victory.

Sadly that was as good as it got as Kent, who could yet have two one-day final appearances this season, once more showed they can bat under pressure.

Yasir Arafat joined Geraint Jones at the crease and the two safely negotiated everything the Yorkshire attack could throw at them.

It was Arafat who hit the winning runs to finish on 19 not out as Yorkshire lost by three wickets.

Moxon and Yorkshire will be hoping they can put their disappointments behind them when they start their Pro 40 challenge against Essex at Chelmsford on Wednesday.