Yorkshire strengthened their push for promotion to Division One with a dominant performance, securing a lead of 238 runs over Glamorgan. Despite a late rally from Glamorgan's lower order to avoid the follow-on, Yorkshire remained in control.
Matthew Fisher and Ben Coad were pivotal, each taking four wickets to bowl out Glamorgan for 239, giving Yorkshire a 122-run first-innings advantage. Colin Ingram’s 82 stood out for the Welsh side, making him the leading run-scorer in this season's County Championship.
Yorkshire's second innings began solidly with a century stand between Adam Lyth and Finlay Bean. Both batsmen reached half-centuries before Lyth was trapped lbw by James Harris just before stumps, leaving Yorkshire at 116 for 1.
With two days remaining, Yorkshire is well-positioned to secure victory, a result that would significantly boost their chances of returning to Division One after two seasons away. Their closest rivals, Sussex and Middlesex, are locked in a crucial contest in the final round of matches.
In the morning session, Coad and Fisher exploited the overcast conditions to dismantle Glamorgan’s top order. Coad removed Glamorgan captain Sam Northeast early, trapping him lbw with a delivery that swung back in. Kiran Carlson was dismissed on the next ball, caught at slip off a Fisher outswinger, while Ben Kellaway fell for just 4, edging to Jonny Bairstow behind the stumps.
Glamorgan’s struggles continued as Asa Tribe and Chris Cooke both fell to poor shot selection, gifting catches to Lyth and Bairstow, respectively. Fisher completed a productive session by removing Tim van der Gugten lbw just before lunch.
Ingram, standing firm at the other end, showed resilience against the Yorkshire attack. However, off-spinner Dom Bess eventually broke through, bowling Ingram as he attempted an ill-advised cut shot.
Mason Crane contributed 29 in a valuable 63-run partnership with Ingram, but it was the partnership between James Harris and Andy Gorvin, worth 67 runs, that helped Glamorgan avoid the follow-on. Coad returned to wrap up the innings, dismissing Harris lbw for 40 and bowling debutant Ben Morris to secure a 122-run lead for Yorkshire.
Yorkshire’s openers, Lyth and Bean, extended their lead with relative ease. Although Lyth was dismissed late in the day, the visitors are now in a commanding position and will likely look to declare on day three.
Scores:
Yorkshire 361 (Hill 90, Wharton 63, Bess 50, Govin 4-67) and 116 for 1 (Lyth 55, Bean 53) lead Glamorgan 239 (Ingram 82, Coad 4-55, Fisher 4-55) by 238 runs.