Gary Yates awarded benefit by Lancashire

Gary Yates, Lancashire's second XI coach and long-serving offspinner, is to be awarded a benefit during the 2005 season. Yates, who joined the club in 1989 and was capped in 1994, has made 82 appearances in first-class cricket, and even managed a century on his Championship debut in 1990.

In addition, he has played in 172 one-day matches for Lancashire, and was a member of the side that won the NatWest Trophy in 1996 and 1998, the Benson & Hedges Cup in 1995 and 1996, and the Axa League title in 1998 and 1999.

"Gary has been a loyal servant to Lancashire County Cricket Club," said their chairman, Jack Simmons. "He has taken part in some major triumphs, notably in one-day finals at Lords. He is very deserving of this benefit, and we all hope that the Lancashire public support him and that he has a bumper year. Gary is just the sort of cricketer benefits were designed for."

Yates, 37, was delighted at the news. "I am very grateful to the club for granting me this benefit and giving me such a wonderful opportunity," he said. "I can honestly say I have enjoyed every minute of being at the best club in the land the last 15 years. I am looking forward not only to hopefully having a good year, but also having a lot of fun in the process."