Yorkshire Carnegie v Lancashire Lightning: Roses joy as Rashid and Rafiq combine for victory

The home side proved more reliable than the weathermen, chalking up an 11-run victory over arch-rivals Lancashire.

Before a bumper crowd of 13,000, which made for a lively atmosphere beneath sombre skies, Yorkshire completed a quickfire Roses double following their two-wicket win at Old Trafford the previous Friday.

This success was equally hard-fought.

Sent into bat, Yorkshire made 178-4, their highest total in 16 Twenty20 meetings against the old enemy.

Andrew Gale led the way with a fine innings of 60 from 46 balls with six fours and a six, his second half-century in this year’s tournament.

Adam Lyth chipped in with 45 from 33 balls, Jonny Bairstow 32 from 19 and Gary Ballance 25 not out from 15.

Lancashire floundered in the face of spinners Adil Rashid (4-26) and Azeem Rafiq (2-29), the latter following his match-winning performance in Manchester with another good display.

According to the weather forecasts, which only just stopped short of predicting Armageddon, there seemed little prospect of this game going ahead.

But those who disregarded the doom merchants were rewarded with an entertaining contest in which Yorkshire always seemed to have the upper hand.

The hosts were given a flying start by Gale and Bairstow, who took advantage of the fielding restrictions during the first six overs of power play to raise 63 runs with some stylish stroke play.

Gale drilled down the ground with trademark power and placement, while Bairstow was also strong through the arc and off his pads.