Flags flew at half mast at North Marine Road today and the Yorkshire and Essex teams lined up for a minute's silence to mark events in America before the start of the last CricInfo Championship match of the season, writes David Warner.

Bottom club Essex, already certain to be relegated, won the toss against the new County Champions and decided to bat first. They recovered from the loss of an early wicket to reach 82 for two in 27 overs.

Fast bowlers Ryan Sidebottom and Gavin Hamilton remained on the injury list and Yorkshire's only change from the side which lost by an innings and 46 runs to Surrey at The Oval last week was the return of Richard Blakey behind the stumps for Simon Guy.

Steven Kirby and Matthew Hoggard shared the new ball and former Yorkshire all-rounder Paul Grayson was the first to fall.

He had his off-stump rattled by a splendid delivery from Hoggard which beat him off the pitch.

Essex had three debutants in their side including 32-year-old fast bowler Joseph Grant who plays for Dunnington in the Huntters the Estate Agent York Senior League. The other two were 18-year-old batsmen Mark Pettini and Zohel Sharif.

Kirby's bowling was all over the place and in his sixth over he sent down three consecutive no-balls, making it eight times he had overstepped the mark.

He was taken out of the attack having conceded 26 runs and replaced by Vic Craven who was stroked for a cover boundary by Robinson.

Craven was unable to make an impact and he gave way to off-spinner Richard Dawson, who enticed Robinson to a sweep shot that hit his body before looping to Chris Taylor at silly point, the opener having made 27 out of 77 for two.

Yorkshire's Championship celebrations were due to begin over an extended lunch break when Yorkshire were to receive the Lord's Taverners' Trophy from CricInfo managing director, Peter Griffiths.

A bi-plane was due to fly around the county with a banner proclaiming the Championship triumph, ending up over the Scarborough ground in time for the presentation, but this even had to be cancelled because all private aircraft in the country have been grounded.

All 25 Yorkshire players who have taken part in the victorious Championship campaign were due to be present to receive the accolade - including Darren Lehmann and Darren Gough who were not playing today.

Updated: 15:35 Wednesday, September 12, 2001