Cricket writer David Warner reviews a successful season for Yorkshire followers.

Not since Yorkshire last won the championship in 1968 have they ended a season in such harmony - and with players and fans alike unshaken in their belief that even greater things can be achieved next year.

Finishing third in the county table, their highest place since coming second in 1975, and winning their last five consecutive matches, have combined to leave Yorkshire holding their heads high as they break up for the winter.

And there is some truth in the argument that Yorkshire could have been county champions this year with just a little bit more luck on their side.

They were denied a victory over Hampshire at Headingley in mid-June when a downpour wiped out the third day after their opponents had been skittled for 104 in reply to 327. Hampshire managed to cling on with nine down on the final day but they were then only 49 ahead and Yorkshire would have had oceans of time to knock of the runs in normal circumstances.

It was a similar story against Nottinghamshire at Scarborough a month later when Yorkshire completely dominated the game but large chunks of the third and fourth days were lost to the weather.

And what made the Notts' escape doubly galling was the fact that the waterhog broke down and could not be used to dry out the ground in time for Yorkshire to push for victory.

Had Yorkshire scooped up a total of 32 points for winning these games rather than six points for drawing them, they would have ended with three more points than champions Leicestershire managed.

But they cannot complain about third place which fairly reflects their all-round ability and is a strong indicator that with some fine tuning they can go right to the top next year.

Watch out, therefore, for Yorkshire making one and possibly two signings during the close season which will add strengths where at present there are weaknesses.

Although Yorkshire are saying nothing publicly until they find if the right person is available, I understand that they are looking for an experienced middle order batsman to give their innings's greater stability.

The disappointing form of Anthony McGrath and the lack of progress by Bradley Parker has left Yorkshire sagging slightly in the middle and a seasoned professional would create sharp competition for places as well as tiding Yorkshire over until some of the younger second team prospects have had time to come through.

There is also room in the side for a good spinner, particularly now that Richard Stemp has been offered his release and is unlikey to still be in a Yorkshire cap next season.

Unhelpful pitches have largely been to blame for Stemp capturing only 26 championship wickets this season.

But of more concern has been his inability to put the ball regularly on the spot and tie batsmen down and it is this which has probably made Yorkshire to decide reluctantly to let him go.

But Ian Fisher has not made great headway and although James Middlebrook is a promising off-spinner with batting talents as well, Yorkshire are short of experience in this department, particularly as opponents are bound to be preparing pitches helpful to spinners next season, knowing that Yorkshire are short of them.

Newly signed Chris Ellison is an outstanding left-arm spin prospect and I am assured by Academy boss Arnie Sidebottom that 18-year-old Richard Dawson, who will be joining Ellison at Exeter University, is an off-spinner with a big future ahead of him.

However the question remains as to whether Yorkshire want to try and bring someone in to hold the fort until the youngsters are both available and ready.

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