Anthony McGrath was able to reflect on the greatest all-round performance of his career after Yorkshire's Championship match against Derbyshire came to a dramatic close at Derby on Saturday.

Following up career-best bowling figures of five for 39 earlier in the game, McGrath hammered out his highest score of 174 off 229 balls with 20 fours and a six.

But his epic effort was still not quite enough for Yorkshire to clinch the win that they so desperately craved in order to close the gap on the top three teams and time is starting to run out on their bid for promotion.

The one chink of light is that Hampshire beat Glamorgan and Yorkshire still have to play the Welshmen twice before the season is out.

Set 358 for victory in 83 overs, Yorkshire looked like getting there under McGrath's expert guidance and with a little more than ten overs remaining they required 76 with five wickets still in hand.

But then McGrath drove Mo Sheikh to Graeme Welch at short extra cover to depart to a standing ovation from supporters of both sides.

The win was still very much on, however, as Richard Dawson joined the admirable Ismail Dawood, who displayed a calm nerve and no little skill under great pressure, and with 34 wanted from five overs Yorkshire were clear favourites.

But Dawson departed to a mid-wicket catch off John Moss and the quick dismissal of Andy Gray meant that Yorkshire sensibly called off the chase with three overs remaining, Dawood meeting everything with a defensive bat, and the game ended in an honorable draw with Yorkshire on 341 for eight.

It had been a great fightback by Yorkshire but it was the inability of their bowlers to dispense with the tail in both innings which cost them dear.

Once again, Australian all-rounder, Ian Harvey, had a very poor match, conceding 111 runs without taking a wicket and scoring only 19 and 12.

McGrath said later: "I have been feeling good at the crease recently and I knew that a big score was just around the corner.

"I must rate it as one of the best innings I have ever played and it is only a shame that we did not finish on a winning note.

"All credit to Derbyshire for producing an excellent pitch which lasted for four days and everyone has thoroughly enjoyed the game.

"It was great to record career-best batting and bowling figures in the same match but I don't think I will be setting new bowling records too regularly. I just bowled gun-barrel straight and it paid off."

Asked if his performance would help his England cause, McGrath said: "I am not thinking about that at the moment. I just want to go on doing well for Yorkshire."

Updated: 11:16 Monday, August 02, 2004