Hamilton's all-round performances brings Yorkshire fifth consecutive win

Gavin Hamilton turned in a tremendous all round performance to bring Yorkshire Phoenix a sensational 49-run victory over Sussex Sharks at Scarborough yesterday which took them six points clear at the top of Division One of the Norwich Union National League.

It was Yorkshire's fifth consecutive win in the competition and the only side who can rob them of the title if they beat Kent Spitfires at Canterbury on Tuesday are Gloucestershire Gladiators who play the two matches they have in hand over the next two days.

Hamilton blasted a career-best 57 not out off 58 balls with six fours and two sixes as Yorkshire reached 192 for eight off their 45 overs, the biggest contribution coming from Darren Lehmann who held the first half of the batting together while hammering 80 from only 99 deliveries with seven boundaries.

But it was an incredible second spell with the ball by Hamilton which dramatically turned the tables on Sussex who seemed to be cruising it until their last eight wickets crashed for a mere 28 runs in seven overs.

Hamilton began the rout by bowling Michael Bevan for a faultless 67 off 69 balls with seven fours and a six and he compiled his runs during a superb third wicket stand of 113 in 26 overs with Chris Adams. Adams was run out going for a second when he could not beat substitute fielder Vic Craven's throw to the wicketkeeper and Hamilton rapidly mopped up to end with splendid figures of five for 34.

There were five ducks in the Sussex innings and Yorkshire openers David Byas and Simon Widdup also failed to get off the mark but Lehmann and then Hamilton came to the rescue.