Hayward and Batty put title within sight

Worcestershire 389 & 251 Yorkshire 405 & 164 Worcs win by 71 runs

Nantie Hayward and Gareth Batty, Worcestershire's only fit front-line bowlers, took their county back to the top of the Second Division and dented Yorkshire's chances of clinching the third and final promotion spot here yesterday.

They shared eight wickets to seal a fifth consecutive win as Yorkshire lost by 71 runs when dismissed for 164 on the final day. Batty, soon to leave for his first tour with England, locked up one end, taking 4 for 57 in 20 overs as Hayward bowled with hostility for his 4 for 37.

Worcestershire need only draw their last match at Northamptonshire starting tomorrow to win the title. Yorkshire have to beat Gloucestershire at Headingley to overhaul the third-placed West Country side, who theytrail by 8.5 points after losing one of their eight points here because of a slow over-rate.

Kabir Ali was unable to bowl for Worcestershire in the second innings because of a bruised instep he sustained when given out lbw as Chris Silverwood, who finished with 5 for 63, took three of the last four wickets in the morning to dismiss Worcestershire for 251.