One of Yorkshire’s main problems this season has been an inability to finish off opponents.
On numerous occasions in 2012 they have found themselves in dominant positions in the LV=County Championship before decisively then letting an advantage slip.
The boot was firmly on the other foot at Headingley today though as the Tykes moved themselves into a great position against Glamorgan.
This is after they secured themselves a healthy first-innings lead of 72 runs against their Welsh opponents after being bowled out for 344 in the Leeds sunshine.
Glamorgan then closed on 27-2 second time around to trail by 45 runs.
The fact the county are in such a good position has much to do with Ryan Sidebottom and Steven Patterson.
They arrived at the crease with the match very evenly poised with Yorkshire on 286-8, before embarking on what could yet prove to be a pivotal eighth-wicket partnership.
Sidebottom would reach 35 before being dismissed, with Patterson contributing 22 to a 54-run stand.
They were important runs, after Yorkshire had earlier endured a similar batting collapse to the one that Glamorgan suffered on day one.
It saw them lose six wickets for 94 runs, with the dismissal of Adam Lyth the catalyst for the Tykes’ demise after he was given out lbw for 95 despite appearing to hit the ball.
Captain Andrew Gale was also one of the wickets to fall for 55, with Anthony McGrath’s well made 39 the only other contribution of note.
When he was dismissed the lead was only six runs, with Glamorgan’s confidence sky high, before Sidebottom and Patterson’s partnership changed the course of the match.
Both would eventually fall in successive overs, to give Graham Wagg and Jim Allenby their third and fourth wickets of the day respectively, before the duo returned with the ball for the final 11 overs of play.
Patterson would again impress, taking two wickets in as many balls to complete a remarkable final session for the 28-year-old.
Nick James (4) and nightwatchman John Glover (0) were the men to go, to leave Yorkshire scenting victory.
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