YORKSHIRE are expected to vote against a proposal that Scotland should be admitted to the Norwich Union National League from 2003 at tomorrow's meeting of the First Class Forum at Lord's.

"I do not believe that Scotland have yet got a strong enough team to join the competition and if they did come in it would lower the standards," said Yorkshire cricket chairman, Bob Platt.

"There is also the question of cost and it would prove very expensive for county clubs to have to fly to Scotland for matches.

"Scotland have not attracted particularly large crowds on their travels in other competitions and I think that financially it would be too much of a risk to admit them."

Representatives at the meeting will discuss the shape of the domestic game from 2003 and there will be debate over whether to change the present format.

Although there could be a move to dispense with the Benson and Hedges Cup competition, Yorkshire will voice support for it continuing under new sponsors.

"Our feeling is that the B&H gives counties the opportunity of very competitive cricket early in the season and that it should remain a part of the domestic calendar," said Platt.

Updated: 11:57 Monday, December 10, 2001