Yorkshire secure a 32 run win over Kent

Yorkshire improved their chances of securing the runner's-up slot in the county championship first division after securing a 32-run win over Kent in Canterbury.

The Tykes looked likely to coast to their victory after reducing the hosts to 67 for seven by lunch, but a century eighth wicket stand between home skipper Matthew Fleming and pace bowler Martin McCague, who hit a career-best 72, kept the white rose county waiting.

Gavin Hamilton, who went to school in Kent, did the early damage with three wickets in five balls as the hop county lost six wickets for 18 in a disastrous first session.

Matthew Hoggard weighed in with two for 48, including the scalp of Paul Nixon (19) the first Kent bat to reach double figures.

McCague's selective hitting, he clubbed 12 fours and a six in his 80-ball stay, then gave Kent the chance of pulling off an unlikely win as he and Fleming posted 102 in 26 overs.

Left-arm spinner Ian Fisher came on to polish off the innings with three for 45, bowling McCague, having Fleming caught at deep cover before plucking out the middle stump of Martin Saggers to secure Yorkshire's sixth win of the term and their first double.

Kent now need three points from their final championship match starting at Grace Road on Wednesday to avoid relegation, while a Yorkshire win in Southampton could see them pip arch rivals Lancashire for second spot.