I'll never get tired of Yorkshire success, says skipper Andrew Gale after record-breaking victory

Yorkshire skipper Andrew Gale insists he’ll never tire of lifting the County Championship trophy, after getting his hands on it again this evening.
Andrew Gale hit a century as Yorkshire beat HampshireAndrew Gale hit a century as Yorkshire beat Hampshire
Andrew Gale hit a century as Yorkshire beat Hampshire

Yorkshire, who retained the Division One title last week at Lord’s, were presented with the cup again yesterday after beating Hampshire, a win which saw them set the new record for points in a season.

And they will be presented with the trophy again next week when they face Sussex at Headingley in their final four-day match of the season.

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But Gale, who was infamously prevented from lifting the trophy last season after suspension, said: “It is a bit weird, picking it up three times!

“The lads were asking: ‘Do we have to spray the Champagne and stuff again?’

“But I said to them: ‘Look lads, enjoy every minute of it because I was in a situation last year where I couldn’t even pick it up’. So I’m enjoying every minute of it.

“I’d pick it up every week if I could.”

Gale scored his third century of Yorkshire’s title-winning season as they beat Hampshire by five wickets, after setting up a final-day run chase of 304.

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His 125 set Yorkshire well on their way to a victory, with able support from Jack Leaning (76).

"I was disappointed not to see it through as I got the lion's share of the runs," Gale added.

"I've felt in good form and was disappointed not to get a hundred last week.

"Since we won the Championship we have played some poor cricket so I think we needed one or two guys to stand up today, and that is what me and Jack Leaning did.

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“I was pleased for Jack today as he has been in a rough trot and was left out of side.

“Hopefully he can get another score next week and finish off a fantastic year for him."

Victory for Yorkshire had seemed unlikely after they were outplayed on the first two days of this match, with the third all but washed out by rain.

But Gale and opposite number James Vince, whose side were desperate to win in their quest to avoid relegation, concocted a run chase which Yorkshire achieved fairly comfortably.

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The victory sees Yorkshire set a new points total for a season, since the County Championship split into two divisions, of 265. They can also set the record for most victories - 11 - if they beat Sussex.