News Archive - May 2002

Yorkshire Phoenix play their first Norwich Union League Match of the season at Taunton this Sunday v Somerset Sabres in the knowledge that their orange kit has been to the ends of the earth and back literally before being safely delivered to them by Sharon Gott, Commercial Manager.

The kit which has manufactured in the Far East by new sponsors Lee Cooper was due to arrive early this week however in stead of being sent straight to Manchester Airport to be driven to Headingley it was re-routed via Bahrain where it became part of an airstrike for several hours.

Panic set in at Headingley as time went on, Commercial Manager Sharon Gott commented � We had 12 sewing machines on standby just in case the worst happened! It was touch and go but everything has worked out in the end.�

After arriving at Headingley the kit then had to go on another journey to Sowerby Bridge to have names and numbers put on the backs before making it�s final leg down to Taunton in the boot of Sharon�s car.

The Match which will be televised live on Sky Sports will be more than just the first Match of the NU season knowing the lengths Yorkshire have gone to get their kit!

Ian Blackwell hit a cracking opening day century to leave Yorkshire`s Championship clash with Somerset firmly in the balance.

Blackwell blasted a 100 ball ton to spare Somerset�s blushes at Taunton after a Chris Silverwood inspired wrecking spree had reduced the hosts to 75-6. The outstanding Silverwood took 3 quick wickets to leave the home side on the ropes after Yorkshire had been bowled out for 213 earlier in the day.

Michael Lumb, 66 and Silverwood, 44 salvaged some pride after a poor start by Yorkshire but Somerset finally closed 27 runs behind with 4 wickets remaining