A fine 57 not out by middle-order batsman James Stuart was the one breath of fresh air for Yorkshire Academy in their four-wicket “Friendly” defeat by Scotland.

Winning the toss for the Yorkshire side led by Alex Lees was no problem...building partnerships was. By the time Scotland's opening bowlers had reduced the Academy to 67-5 no partnership had made more than 19 runs: Lees was clean bowled; Callum Geldart  lofted a drive to mid-on; James Leaning was caught at mid-off when he was deceived by the high bounce; Jack Hargreaves lbw.

Stuart remained undefeated with an excellent 57 from 75 balls, and he and Jonathan Tattersall shared a stand of 32 - the highest of the innings. Each of Scotland's opening pair claimed two wickets, while medium-pacer Josh Edwards turned in a good 3-29. Academy's total of 161 did not seem a formidable one for Scotland to chase after lunch.

Yorkshire made an early breakthrough when Matt Simpson had Tom McBride lbw, but wicket-keeper Petrie and No. 3  Ewan Chambers then put on 52. Chambers was impressive, scoring his 41 in 43 balls with seven fours, but he was trapped in front by Zafran Ali.

Rowan and Josh Edwards both failed to trouble the scorers. The outlook began to look brighter for the Academy at 79-5, but Luthran and Bailwai put on 55, Luthran scoring his 26 at a run a ball until he was bowled round his legs by leg-spinner Tattersall. This brought to the wicket Calvin Burnett, who struck an aggressive 27 in 12 balls.

Scotland ran to the target in 27.3 overs, and the Academy were well beaten.

Words and Statistics: HAROLD GALLEY